Similar but different

Where I’m serving in East Asia, the culture is quite similar to America in some ways and very different in others.

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Contemporary culture here is intrigued—even obsessed—with the American way of life and will almost do anything to mimic it. In that sense, it hasn't been hard adjusting to life here. But other aspects of life here—the population density, big-city lifestyle, traffic, public transportation and so forth—still present a challenge to me.

Topping the list of things I don’t like are not being able to drive and the language barrier with people who aren’t students.

I miss my family and friends like crazy, but it’s not like I’m miserable because I miss them. I know that I am here for a reason and a specific purpose. Knowing this makes it OK. Because of the contact I still am able to have with home, it helps knowing that the only thing that separate us are miles.

The first few weeks of being here were difficult because I felt so lonely—enough that I began to question whether or not I was supposed to be here and whether I actually was called to missions. When I realized that those thoughts were consuming me, I almost literally fell into the arms of our Lord. It is there that I was able to totally place my trust in God and rely on his timing for everything in my life.

As far as sharing my faith goes, it hasn't really been a challenge at all. Students are very eager—initially to speak English, but also to find meaning in their life. After we are able to “test the waters,” this is when we are able to share how we find meaning in our life—through Jesus Christ.

Pray that I will take full advantage of the time I have here—even when I would rather sleep in. Pray that I will be obedient to whatever God asks of me—even when it’s the hardest. Pray that people would be intrigued by me—but only because they see Jesus.

Wes, a student at Stephen F. Austin State University, is serving in East Asia with Go Now Missions. His last name is withheld for security reasons.


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