This is Christine Jefferies. I have just joined the Kinmen team for winter/spring semester. I was here for a month last year, and I am really glad to be back. My life was not the same after seeing the needs of Kinmen. It felt almost cruel to leave. The people here are beautiful, friendly, kind. It's painful to see them in darkness. As I walk down the narrow, winding streets, passing temples for their many gods, I am reminded what my purpose is in being here. Teaching Engish is just the open door that God has provided. The goal is to let God's light shine through me to the people of this land. It seems I need to be reminded of this (my true focus) far too many times.
The team here is wonderful. We all get along so incredibly well. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the people here are supposed to be here. God chose each one of us individually to be on this little island off the coast of China. My sister and I are sharing a room, and it is sooooo awesome! Being in our room gives me a little taste of home.
For these next few months God has personally given me some verses to meditate on: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:2-5).
Those have been such encouraging words already. Another verse he has given me is "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." That comforts me to know that I don't have to trust in myself, that God wants to lead me in the way of holiness. I had the opportunity to witness to a TA at winter camp. We were going through a Chinese museum which had articles and artifacts of their religious beliefs. Penny (the TA) was explaining to me their meaning and purpose. As she spoke God told me to ask her a question. "Penny, what do you personally believe?" She looked at me a little suprised, and said, "My family believes in the gods, and worships them at the right times." I wasn't sure what to say to this and we moved on. Soon after God told me to ask the same question again "Penny, what do you personally believe?" this time she said "I believe in myself, whatever I want to do, all I have to do is believe that I can do it" We continued on, looking at the many rather beautiful carvings and work of her people. She then asked me "Well, what do you believe?" My heart gave a leap! (I have learned, that unless someone asks me directly what I believe I do not share unless God tells me otherwise) I had been waiting for her to ask me that exact question. Now I knew that God wanted me to share the gospel with her. For the rest of the museum tour I explained the way to salvation. She was very intrested, and listened with rapt attention. When I was finished, she had a questioning, thoughtful look, but she didn't say anything. I so wanted her to ask questions, to be hungry for the word of God. But then I heard God tell me that she was ready to hear but not ready to accept. I am beginning to realize that God using me to plant the seeds of faith in Christ is just as exciting as God using me to harvest them, and they are equally important jobs.
Thank you for your time and intrest in the ministry here in Taiwan, I pray that the Lord will bless you for the energy you all put forth.
Loving HIM- Christine
