Please pray for Sharon. (I would post a picture, but for safety reasons, I can't) She graduated from Clear Creek in May and is now serving in Asia as an undercover missionary. Sharon is about 22 or 23, single, and is so full of life and has one of the best personalities that I know. We were able to communicate with her via WebCast last Friday night at our women's ministry event. During the 30 minute WebCast, my eyes were opened about mission work, my heart broke, and it was a moving moment that I will never forget. First of all, we were only able to speak to her because at the time she was in Thailand for a seminar. Before the WebCast began, a seriousness hit the air which is normally filled with joy and laughter. We were told that we absolutely could not say the word(s) "missions", "missionary", "journeyman", "God", "Lord", "Jesus" or anything of the sort. When Sharon came on, she just began waving, crying, and didn't speak a word for a few moments. It was such a sweet moment. She's been in Asia since October, and for the first time she's been able to "see" loved ones again. Imagine that moment. She was speechless.
The general conversation topics were the food, what she misses most about the states, the weather in Asia, and she talked a lot about how excited she is about starting at the University soon. (She is in Asia as an "English major") The stories she told were hilarious and unforgettable! Especially the stories of the food adventures that she's experience!
But what moved me was simply this: Whenever she spoke of the area that she is living in her words were always, "My area", "my apartment in my area". She cannot say the city that she is living in. She's undercover. No one can truly know why she is there. She can't even speak of her where she lives.
You know the joy of the Lord is in her. She's doing His will, living out His calling and the purpose of her being. But you could see a bit of loneliness and sadness in her as well. And that broke my heart for her. Living a secret life. BUT. Living for the Lord! AMEN to that!
She did mention, "that a few have converted". (She has to state this very general, as this phrase could be for Buddhism, Muslim, or anything.) She says it is very difficult in her area because people in that area are so education and career driven. Far more than we could ever imagine. "One wants to convert. But she can't because she has signed a contract through her job stating that she will not participate in any religious practice." "One did convert. And after going home and telling her family, they said she couldn't because then she wouldn't take care of them." "Another won't convert because then he wouldn't be accepted into the University that he needs to go to." Sharon also shared, "It's not like the states. People go to conferences or revivals and make a decision right then. It could take months, or even years for someone to make a decision. Their thinking is so intellectual. Everything is a thought process. You never just make a decision without considering all costs. If you don't go to the best schools, or Universities or if don't get the best career... You're banned from your family. It's everything here."
But praise God that "a few have converted"!!
I had no idea of life like this. I know all cultures are different. But I guess until you see it, in this case through Sharon, you don't really realize it and the difficulties that believers face.
After we met with her we sang my favorite worship song, In Christ Alone. On Christ the Solid Rock. But this time it was different singing it. God really laid Sharon on my heart. Christ is ALL Sharon has right now. Here are the words to the song:
In Christ alone. My hope is found.
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This Cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace;
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease;
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied.
For every sin on Him was laid,
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay.
Light of the world by darkness slain.
Then bursting forth in glorious Day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me.
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand.
‘Til He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand!
I pray that God will work through Sharon. That He will protect her from fear and loneliness. Please guide her, use her, and speak through her. I pray that the people of Asia will come to know the Lord and His mighty power. Lord please keep her strong and faithful and may she stand firm on Your truth.
Please pray for Sharon.
