It is now September and I have been back in Taiwan for a month. School has started and I’m back to teaching middle schoolers literature and public speaking. Time really has flown by.
The Finance Report for SRM Ex. #2 has been ready since my first week back in August. If you are interested in reading it, send me an email at info@silkroadmission.org and I’ll send it your way.
Debrief
I had one real big goal for this year’s expedition: Make it to Nepal and preach the Gospel faithfully. That was the climax of my work on the Silk Road this time around. Everything led to my time there.
Yet, I did have secondary goals in Austria and Central Asia. In both places I wanted to establish new connections, rekindle old ones, and learn about the state of the church. In many ways, I was naive to what was really happening on the ground and that showed this year. I was lovingly corrected by workers in Central Asia about the security concerns they had and the legitimacy of them. I was surprised to hear of the struggles of the church in Austria and it’s problems dealing with a post-Christian society. Going forward, the work that needs to be done there is quite staggering but worth it. I even got to meet with a local Austrian pastor that made it clear: the work was difficult but oh so needed.
Nepal has quickly grown as a place near and dear to my heart. I have fallen in love with its people, cuisine, and culture. I always have wonderful experiences in the country and plan on returning yearly for mission work as long as I’m able to do so.
Successes
Made contact with local Austrian churches and leadership. Currently pursuing relationships with them over email.
Established friendship with Central Asian workers and discussed future mission plans.
Taught about the Character and Nature of God at one of YWAM Nepal’s Discipleship Training Schools.
Encountered several Justice Missions and Business as Mission opportunities and contacts.
Plans for SRM Expedition #3 began to be laid.
Growth Opportunities
Travel costs were more expensive than budgeted because of poor baggage planning.
Strategies to deal with loneliness need to be researched and developed.
Rest days need to be factored into the plans for next expedition. Burnout was hard to avoid this year.
SRM Home Team needs to be recruited.
As you can see, there is much to celebrate and ponder. I have just as many chances to learn and grow from this year’s expedition as I do to give praise to God for His Providence.
As we now look to the future and begin planning for Expedition #3, I have one thought in my head:
This is only the beginning. The task in front of us is staggering. Yet, our God is a staggeringly awesome and good God. His mission cannot fail. Let’s get to work!
See you next time travelers.
Ken See
SRM Founder