Today is a special day! I have the opportunity to share with a group of ladies about my journey to SE Asia and how God continues to use me through that journey.

It’s been good to look back on my trip and see how God used me then and how He continues to use me now. To see the lessons I’ve learned along the way and am still learning. So here is piece of what I’ll be sharing with this group.

One of our goals was to increase the worldview of ourselves and the American Church.

My personal worldview changed beyond what I could have imagined. I’d never been outside the United States (except Canada). I didn’t know what to expect. So everything I saw, heard, tasted and learned from the beginning was a worldview changer for me.

My experiences in SE Asia are still kind of hodge podge. They are all jumbled together into a large picture. Maybe one day I’ll be able sort them all out and present them as individual experiences.

But while I am still trying to figure some of it out, here are a few things I believe that has changed for me.

I have brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. They listen to K-Love radio. They read the same Bible. They are gifted in the same ways that I am gifted. And above all, Jesus loves them as He loves me.

I also have come to realize that Christ’s Church is persecuted around the world and that we take far too much for granted in America. When asked how the American Church could prepare for persecution, we were told to study and memorize God’s Word.

How often do you take the number of Bible’s sitting on your shelf or table for granted? Believing they will always be there? Before I went to SE Asia, I know I did this quite often.

Now I understand how desperate I would be without God’s Word. The solution? Memorize Scripture. Don’t allow Satan to make us believe that we cannot do this. Let’s allow God to show us how easy it is with His help.

I also learned how good it is to see dedicated workers in the field. Those who are willing to be persecuted for their faith. Those who know the truth and aren’t afraid to share that truth with others.

I have often ignored situations or turned my back on those who need to hear the Gospel. And I can share God’s love freely with those I encounter. I used to take this freedom for granted…just like so many others. But now I know how important it is to make the most of every situation. Making each one count for God.

In Ephesians, Paul encouraged his fellow Christians to “Be very careful then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 – NIV)

And also in Colossians, Paul says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5 – NIV)

What opportunities have you missed? I know I’ve missed plenty. But you and I woke up this morning with the possibility of new opportunities. Today we can hear Paul’s words and do as he asks. Make the most of every opportunity.

God has taken me on a journey. My journey isn’t finished yet with SE Asia. And for that I’m thankful. I don’t want to stop being stretched until it’s time for me to see Jesus face to face. I pray that your worldview of Christians in SE Asia has changed just a bit too.

How can you make a difference? What can you do? Maybe you could send a card of encouragement to a missionary. Maybe you could send a gift. Maybe you could add them to your prayer time. Maybe you could open your heart now for God to prepare you to join me on the next service trip to SE Asia or another area of the world.

There are many ways you can make a difference. Be open to God’s leading. You never know how He will use you.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna