“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”” Matthew 16:24 ESV
What does it mean to pick up a cross and follow after Christ? This question is a very clear reality I’ve been exploring and witnessing here in this new country. While this country isn’t necessarily a closed country, or at least the area we’re in currently isn’t, it still holds a great amount of persecution. I’ve been convicted that in America my sufferings as a Christian are extremely light compared to the adversity the average day Christian faces here in this country . And what rocks me is this isn’t even the pinnacle of persecution. Places like North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, and Sudan experience vast amounts more physical retribution and discouragement for following after God. Is this what it means to pick up a cross and follow Christ?
A key phrase that stuck with me this week was “to be a citizen of this country is to be Buddhist”. Everywhere I look that is outwardly all I see. Massive idols at every intersection, temples around every corner, and rhythmic music and chanting on every gust of wind. Being in this city for a few days I have already felt on full display the presence of the enemy, twisting my thoughts, accusing others, and boasting of the hold and power he has here. Once again spiritual warfare is a real thing, and it took me several days this week to realize that truth once more. The enemy wants me, along with every other believer, to be ineffective. And he brutally attacks those that push into his territory. But even in the darkness God has brought forth overflowing light through the firm believers we have met. He has encouraged me greatly through their testimonies and witnessing’s to his faithfulness. Many have spoken of their choice to follow Christ leading to rejection from their family and their community. And yet the joy, confidence, and trust they hold in him is breathtaking. It reminds me of James 1:2-4 talking of a suffering leading to steadfastness. These believers are willing, and have given up everything to take up the cross to follow after Christ. They understand his value and cling to him with desperation, for they have forsaken everything else in this world. Are we willing to do the same? To be denied by family, rejected by friends, and only have Jesus? For these people he is enough, is it the same for us? Is Jesus enough for you? for me? This is something I know I will continue to experience and wrestle with, and probably will revisit very soon in the future, but already just this small taste has had a lasting impact on my life and will continue to do so.
On a brighter note, I just want to say an abounding thank you to the family that has welcomed us into this country. Your patience, wisdom, generosity, and overwhelming hospitality has meant, even in this short time, so much to me and to our team. I don’t know how to make it up to you guys, and I probably won’t fully be able to, but I praise the Lord for his love shown through y’all and your awesome children. What a blessing y’all have been to my heart as you’ve treated us like close family and invited us into your personal spaces. I’ll probably have much more to say by the end of this month but in advance thank you. May God bless y’all and your children as you continue to be faithful and obedient to him.
Some of the numerous highlights we’ve experienced in the short time we’ve been here have been:
-The numerous meals we’ve had with our mission family
-English classes and meeting the students
-Sharing testimony and being in prayer for seminary students
-Visiting high school, building connections, improv soccer and frisbee lesson, and heavy prayer walking
-Touring massive cave and temple ruins + off a dare running up SO MANY STAIRES (365 to be exact and no it was not worth it)
-Watching millions of bats fly out of a cave at sunset and trying snail
-Messing around with music with J-boy and playing games with the family
-Visiting a school fully devoted to Christ and encouraging/being encouraged by them
-Attending a late-night church service
-Team times
-More calls with my family at home
While there’s definitely been a lot of fun stuff I’ve gotten to take part in this week it’s also on another front been a really hard week spiritually. Some prayer requests y’all could be lifting up for me are:
- Resisting the Devil’s attempts to distract me with social media, drag me into guilt tripping sin, build enmity between me and my team, and leave me ineffective for God’s mission
- For daily joy, patience, and most importantly humility (oh how I need humility)
- For courage to proclaim the gospel and an open heart to the holy spirit to be spoken through
It’s already been a week and I know that the time will continue to fly by, but I hope that as these events speed past I would cling to what Christ is teaching me. There is much to learn both from our hosts, the local believers, and the strategy of reaching people in this harsher setting. Christ is purifying me, and I know that after this month I will continue to not be the same. I am so blessed to be in his presence here in the field, and dive deep into his refuge as I struggled daily. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. As I continue to live this out and struggle in this battle, I pray that y’all will support me in prayer for it truly has power to change lives. Till next week may God purify your hearts and be enough for you always, as you choose daily to pick up the cross, and follow after him. All praise to you Jesus, amen.
