Two months ago, I came home from Taiwan. It was an unexpected change in my field of service.
When I read of the Apostle Paul’s ministry in scripture there are two things that pop out at me: First, Paul made plans to go to various places. Asia, Macedonia, Spain, and eventually Rome were all on his itinerary. He didn’t simply go on one missionary journey and, satisfied with his level of service, decide to retire in Antioch. Paul put his hands to the plow and made it clear that he was in for the long haul. Second, Paul’s plans were changed. He desired to preach in Asia. He prepared to preach in Asia. He raised support to preach in Asia. Then, God brought him to Macedonia. He made plans but was sensitive to the Holy Spirit as changes needed to be made.
Two months ago, I came home from Taiwan. It was an unexpected change in my field of service. The weeks leading up to my decision to come home were spent in earnest prayer. I was unsure what to do and which path to take. On one hand, I loved (and still love!) Taiwan. I didn’t want to leave. I loved the students at my school, I loved my church, I loved my ESL Bible study members, and I loved my coworkers. I had established friendships, made ministry contacts, and even picked up some Chinese phrases. I didn’t want to leave.
Yet, when my school’s principal made it clear that our choice as teachers was to get the Covid19 vaccine or test weekly I, and several other teachers, decided it was time to leave. Let me make it clear: I refuse to get the vaccine that is made with fetal cell lines. I refuse to get a vaccine that doesn’t even stop infection. I refuse to bow down to pagan government fiat. Christ, not Caesar, is King. I also saw the writing on the wall regarding China and Taiwan. It’s a matter of when China invades and not if. I believe the Lord made it clear that it was time to leave.
Unexpected changes in ministry happen at unexpected times. Missionaries have to be ready for the reality that their ministry could come to an end in a location at any time. Whether because of political unrest, war, famine, disease, or simply the end of a season all these and more could result in a missionary’s effectiveness to dramatically decrease. I get it. There is something romantic about the missionary that stays behind with their congregants as shells explode overhead or as people drop from the plague. While there are countless examples of stalwart servants in the past doing just that there are also countless examples of faithful men and women who went home and served. Both paths are honorable.
As for me? Yes, I went home. However, I’m itching to get back to Asia. I’m already planning on going back out as soon as I can. This is not the end and I won’t be giving up.
A day may come when you will be faced with unexpected changes in your ministry. Know that you’re in good company. Pray, seek the Lord, and make a decision. Look to Paul’s example in how to follow the Spirit’s leading even if it leads you where you don’t want to go. Be ready to act when the Lord opens a door and don’t stop trusting in His guiding hand.
Unexpected changes happen. Expect them.
That’s for now travelers. I will try and update this more as I have more time. Thanks for reading and God bless!
-Kenneth See
SRM Founder