OUT OF THE HARBOUR

PART TWO: CROSSROADS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
– Jeremiah 6:16 

 

 

Fri, 7 Nov 2003

Singapore: Dreams in Life

 

“What are you going to do in the future?” my Japanese professor asked. This seems to be the most popular question, since I’m in my third year in university and will either graduate or stay another year to do the Honours course. He continued, “You can go to Japan for further studies. To cover the financial aspect, you can take loans from banks, and get a part-time job.”

 

I told him about my decision to sail with Doulos for two years. He said, “It is good that you have a dream to pursue. When a person has reached mid-40s, like me, it is too late.” I replied, “No, Professor. It’s still not too late. As long as you are alive, no matter how old you are, there will always be dreams to pursue.” He chuckled, but there was a tinge of sadness in his laugh.

 

 

Sat, 6 Dec 2003

Singapore: Why Not a Regular Job?

 

Exams are over and I’ve been going out with friends this week. A friend asked me, “Why do you think it’s God’s will for you to go into missions instead of getting a regular job to support your family?" She’s the third person to raise this issue in the last three days.

 

I’m afraid of being misunderstood. Will people think I’m unfilial to leave the family that I love? Will they think of me as a lazy daughter who doesn’t want to support her family but goes on a fun cruise around the world? What proof do I have to show friends and relatives that it is God’s will for me to go into full-time missions? I have seen no visions nor burning bushes. I have heard no thundering voice saying, “Jiamin, I have chosen you to go to the mission field.” I also do not have relevant qualifications such as theological degrees and seminary training.

 

But one thing I know. God opened my eyes to see the needs of the lost during my first mission trip on Doulos from April to June 2001. We had sailed to three ports in the Philippines — Cebu, Subic Bay and La Union. I played with the street kids, shared the Good News with them and two girls had come to the faith. I had never felt such happiness before. Since then, it has been my growing desire to bring God’s Word to parts of the world that have yet to know Him.

 

To some people, I seem like a ‘good Christian girl’; to others, I seem like a young adult who has yet to learn what the ‘real world’ is like. But why should I allow myself to be swayed by people’s opinions? What matters most is listening to God’s voice and obeying Him.