Travels with Steph: His Love is Better than Life

Reference to John Steinbeck's Travels with Charlie, which I really, really didn't like hehe. Anyway, this weekend was quite a packed one. Thankful for an opportunity to drive all over Southern California J-- LA to Irvine to Corona to LAX to USC to UCLA to K-Town back to UCLA to San Diego back to UCLA. God, in His providence, gave two opportunities to share about my upcoming missions trip with fellow brothers and sisters. They were both very different experiences.

First was to Ezra's youth group at Saenuri Korean Church: a group of roughly 30 Korean-Americans ranging from middle school to college. Becky and I made a PowerPoint, mainly sharing about how Christianity is so much more than just an activity or social construct in our lives. God has created us for eternity and He's inviting us into His eternal work! We shared about our experiences in Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia and (hopefully) exposed them to some cultural differences.

Next was Amy Lin's home church, San Diego Taiwanese Presbyterian Church (SDTPC). I first shared at the English ministry, and then the Taiwanese ministry. It was such a blessing—especially the Taiwanese side whom are comprised mostly of older Taiwanese people. It was my first time worshipping and praying with "my people" :D and it made me tear up a little bit to think about what a sight it would be to see my parents worshipping God in a congregation such as this one. Anyway, by God's grace in providing an excellent translator, I shared about how God changed my life and how He's led me to move overseas. I shared a bit about the missions field and it was so encouraging that throughout my presentation there were some people nodding and smiling in agreement. Afterwards, many people came to ask questions or to just thank me for sharing. One parent even shared Joshua 1:6-9 with me and prayed for me! Amy Lin's mom was super-supportive, too; handing out my letters to people and helping me.

All in all, I feel very blessed to have those opportunities to share—I'm not big on public speaking, but God definitely opened those doors and I'm glad for His grace to respond and share. On top of those great times, I was able to have lunch with Anne Yi on Saturday and brunch with Lei H Yap I on Sunday. Thankful for sovereign openings in schedules to catch up with those sisters and to just recall how good He has been to me to bring such great people into my life.

As I shared at Amy's church, it occurred to me that the simplest way to explain why I'm leaving is because God has continued to reveal Himself as the God whose love is better than life. There's nothing better than His love, and so I follow Him, considering my life worth nothing because really, He's given me so much better. Praise the Lord!

Goodbye, WHEC

I have very few weeks left at White Harvest Evangelical Church. I will possibly be there the week of the 23^nd, and maybe graduation weekend (13^th)/send-off (20^th). But they're all maybes. I'm a naturally sentimental person; I like to try to cherish the "last" moments of anything. Like the last night of V-SET '07 in Hong Kong. I was trying to keep Kim Jung up because it was our last night together as a team—but she told me to go to sleep :D.

Anyway, as a small tribute to my time at WHEC, I just wanted to express to God my thanks for bringing me to a church that has its quirks, ups and downs, and blessings. I remember going to WHEC in Nate's extremely small red car, sitting in the backseat with Nate and Lorin in the front. Occasionally we'd stuff another really tall guy in the car, too. I remember back in the day when there were barely 15 of us and I was the only consistent girl.

I remember the Taiwanese USC girls who were doing the teaching program, our "humble Korean lunch" (so good!!), Jeff trying to talk to the congregation after the message but no one listening to him, Daniel Yap coming to Christ and sharing the next Sunday, Yuji catching fire for the Lord (always with new testimonies and stories), my girls starting to go to the church, Ed, then Faith, then Erick, and now occasionally Taurus doing the closing song (All Creatures of our God and King…), Mei making popsicle sticks of the sisters' names so we don't have to choose who goes first in small group (back when there were only so many sisters so there was only one sisters' small group :D)…

I remember all of Pastor Min's nieces hitting all the USC staff brothers and calling me "V-SET girl" because they saw me wearing the '05 V-SET shirt often (only twice!!!); they called Ben Wu "Little Foot" (I think because Nate or Mike was "Big Foot"). I remember playing on the kids toys and getting static shock. And it goes on and on.

Anyway, I wanted to just thank God for this church that I've grown up with. From 4 (Pastor Min +3) to around 70 each week? Wow! That means that by the time I come back (to visit or stay), the church will be significantly different. Hopefully not at 'SC anymore :P. Excited for all God has in store for WHEC, thank you to all who were part of those good times!

Answered prayers on the field

One huge blessing and challenge after leaving my job at Warner has been the abundance of time I have to go share the gospel with people on campus. My first year staffing (two years ago) was miserable-- I'd EV by myself for three hours at a time and I was so scared, as well as so guilt-ridden for any time that I passed someone by in fear or dread. Last year, I became busier and I didn't evangelize as much, but it was growing on me and I became more comfortable sharing with people on campus. This year, I didn't get opportunities to EV at all (besides STP/ETP) because I was barely on campus anyway.

That brings us to now. It's been still challenging each time I go out, and I think it takes me an average of 20 minutes to work up the courage to approach someone. Am I just not used to it anymore? Or am I just a coward in desperate need of God's grace? Perhaps both hehe. But every time God gives me the courage to talk to someone, it's a huge blessing.

So today, as I'm walking toward "the field", I lift up a prayer to God. "God, I pray that I'll meet someone who's open to talking about Jesus. God, I pray that I'll meet someone that wants to hear the gospel via the bridge illustration. In Jesus' name, Amen." I walk up to this girl next to the inverted fountain, ask her about her beliefs, and she responds, "I'm not comfortable sharing about this with people. Thanks, though." Rejection. I think I was more on a roll though because I walked up the stairs toward Schoenberg, asked the next girl on a bench, and voila! Praise the Lord, both prayers answered!! 3rd year, Japanese music major who is totally open to talking, really willing to listen to the bridge, really thankful that I shared with her, oh my, God is so good!! She was totally ripe for hearing the gospel and it was all by God's grace. It was such a blessing walking away from that conversation, knowing that my God is watching over me even as I cower in strange fear. I'm not alone out there. :) I encourage you all to join me in asking of the Lord because when He answers, we really do feel His love. He cares for me!

I stand amazed...

God is... amazing. Slightly rebuking, too? But more just amazing, gracious, patient, kind, loving, generous... I know He's getting a kick out of the fact that my last post was about lacking money. All I can do is shake my head and try to understand grace. Within the past week, I've received one anonymous cash donation, two via check, and two monthly pledges, all adding up to a big WOW. I could be a pessimist and say that I still have ~80% to go but it's hard to be a pessimist when you worship such a great God.

Testimonies:

I saw someone on campus that I hadn't seen in a while and I stopped to talk/catch up with what was going on in his life. It was brief, maybe 15-20 minutes, somehow getting on the topic of my moving overseas. Then, very unexpectedly, when he got up to leave, he gave me a check saying, "It's not much but please take this." What?? Only in God's family, in His kingdom. I barely know the guy, perhaps talking with him only a handful of times before this. Incomprehensible.

I found this in my backpack yesterday:

This picture makes me look like a drug dealer. :D sorry. But seriously, I don't even know what to say. Which is why this post is so scattered and disjointed but I figured I have to proclaim His praises.

All I could do every time financial support would come was pray and thank God. I feel so undeserving of people's money. I know, as King David says, all that we have is God's and when we give to Him, we just give back what He first gave us. But the selflessness of people's hearts to want to give of their hard-earned money with the faith that God will provide for them moves me. God bless them.

I also feel affirmed by God. I've been going through doubts as to whether God really wants me to go overseas, but if hearts are being moved to support me in prayer and finances, that must say something. I know that I don't have any "power" nor do I want to have any persuasive role in people's support of me. So yes, I praise God for showing me once again that He can do it and He will. I thank Him because I don't know what I'm doing and everyday it feels crazier that I'd move out of my comfort zone, especially feeling like I lack the gifts/skills to be successful out there-- but He's letting me know that He's leading me, and that's enough.

Sorry again that this post is so disjointed. Thank you for your prayers (ecce, God answers! What joy to know our Heavenly Father hears and answers!). I hope this post brings you to praise God and see Him at work in your own life. Down with our disbelief! :) 3 Cheers for the King!

Money, money, money... (money!)

Thinking about that song on that one show. Very helpful, I know. Anyway, latest prayer update: it could be a possibility that I'll stay in the States longer (instead of going with V-SET, the summer short-term missions trip in late June) if I can't raise at least $20,000 of the 28,000 that I'm hoping for. I guess it makes sense that I'd have to stay in the States if I haven't raised the money, but I' m hoping that I won't have to consider this as an option as it would make logistics much more complicated. (How would I pay for rent? I just left my job, too. What about my parents who are coming from Taiwan to send me off? etc.)

One of God's special ways of revealing Himself to me has always been as a God of provision though. Linda, when we lived together '07-'08 (yay Linda!) brought that to my attention and I realized that from backpack to watch, money for rent to auto insurance, God has always done crazy things.

And my God will meet all your needs according His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Lastly the awesome comfort of knowing that God is well-known for answering seemingly impossible problems with seemingly impossible solutions (see II Kings 3:16-20 on a super cool story on how God made water come from nowhere... He's so cool!). Thankful for this challenge of faith, but need prayer to stay trusting and not become frantic.

No longer a T.A.

I've always loved assisting. I think God made me special that way. From being a Program Assistant (PA) to a Resident Assistant (RA), from a Administrative Assistant (AA) to a Teacher's Assistant (TA), I've enjoyed them all! I'm thankful for the various jobs and positions God has given me in the past (even that slightly horrid stint of being a Loan Processor.. *shudder*), and I believe that all my experiences in those workplaces will bring Him more glory in the future. Not just in knowing how to do things, but more in being able to interact with people and learning how to love people.

Anyway, enough about that, I just wanted to update that yesterday (March 26) was my last day of being a TA, a job I've been at since I graduated UCLA in '07. I will definitely miss the teachers, the kids, the job itself, the random surprises and treats we get for working there because the parents are ridiculously rich... :)

I also feel like God blessed me to be successful at this school. I grew in favor (not stature though) with teachers and kids, completely by His grace. I pray that God will use my life to impact these teachers and students (over 100 of them over the years, to be exact) for Christ.

So what will I do now that I'm jobless, for the first time in maybe 9 or 10 years? I'm hoping to spend at least three solid hours of devotion each day to help me prepare for the adventure ahead. I also need time for logistics, fundraising, etc. New chapters are beginning already :P. Excited.

The Lord is my Shepherd,

I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures

He leads me beside quiet waters

He restores my soul.

A pregnancy, an engagement, a wedding...

In the past two days, I've received news of each-- I have to confess, one of the things that was hard to let go when I decided to move overseas was knowing that I'd be missing out on such important parts of my friends' lives. I'm so happy for all of them (and all of you since I know big and exciting things will happen in the next two years), and I pray that my age-old dislike of "missing out" will be overshadowed by the mere joy of knowing that such great things are happening in my friends' lives. Thankful for a chance to be a part of my dear sister Alvi's wedding in May and excited to see how I can continue to walk with those I love so dearly, even when I am so far away. :) Praise God for these challenges, too. Makes Him all the more worthy and beautiful.

Oh life. :)


congratulations!!!!!! AHH! :D

Things to Appreciate...

Recently, I was thinking about the things I'm going to miss when I leave. Instead, God told me to think about it as things I should appreciate while I'm here. Though things will be different overseas, the blessings will just be in a different form. So here's to appreciating the things in this "American/SoCal" form:

* Meeting up with sisters: I just realized what a blessing it is to have known these girls for so many years and to be able to speak into each other's lives. It's such a blessing to have been a part of people's lives and spiritual walks. Also realized that it's a blessing just to be able to communicate in English and understand one another in our struggles, triumphs, confusions, etc. I think I appreciate this more now. :)

* Green lawns: I appreciate the way America's suburbs have lawns. It's something simple, but something that's pleasing to the eye. I'm not so much a city person, so it's nice when I walk to work in the "neighborhood" and see all the nicely manicured lawns (it's Bel Air, what do you expect?) and the landscaping/fountains and such hehe.

* In-N-Out: Yum. I guess this category could be all great foods that I enjoy here in California. Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, American, Ethiopian, Indian, Thai, Persian, etc. All so good! Praise the Lord for cuisines-- I appreciate them very much.

* Driving: Yes, I admit, sometimes I start to get tired of driving because I have to drive constantly in LA traffic for ministry. But really, I love driving. Driving is so fun! I love the power and control you have in a car, as well as the danger (that's the reckless side in me). I love the smoothness of going from one place to the next and the fun you can have parallel parking or reversing. I am a driving dork.

* Cooking/Supermarkets: I appreciate the convenience and variety of things we have at the supermarket, allowing our cooking to be delicious! Something as simple as taco seasoning or ginger make a meal delicious. We can have any kind of soup we want, instantly! Lol, I sound so ... post-modern. Instant everything! Just kidding, I'm not that crazy about pre-processed/prepared things, but I just think it's cool.

and of course the list goes on... Thankful to have a list of things to appreciate though. Thank you, God!

"Let them praise his name with dancing..."

"...and make music to him with tambourine and harp." ~Psalm 149:3

I really enjoyed Psalm 149 recently, because "the Lord takes delight in His people". But I also really liked how we're called to praise him with dancing. And to make music to him with tambourine and harp but I don't have access to those instruments. I realized that I like dancing. Granted, I can't dance, especially like the "cool dancing" where people look really cool. But I like dancing--and because of Jesus, I feel free to dance even if I look really stupid. Dancing to praise His name!

Anyway, "Life is a Dance with Jesus"... I was thinking of "Adventures with Jesus", but I think this is more appropriate. I don't know anything about dancing, but to me, it's kinda scary/nerve wracking because I always feel like "I don't know how to", but once I let loose, it's just fun and joyful! I guess that's how I see life with Jesus right now. It's kinda scary/nerve wracking because I feel like most of the places/things He leads me to are unfamiliar/challenging, but once I let loose in the Spirit, I see that it's really joy-filled.

I'm not much of a writer, and I'm not too great with consistent updates...but let's dance!