Two weeks ago, a team from True Way flew to Japan for a Short-Term Mission Trip to Japan. They spent one week in Kyoto and Shiga.
These brothers and sisters had given their precious time and energy to come join us in the mission field of Japan. Though they came here to serve, they served together with Japanese Christians, sharing Christ’s love to non-Christians through their presence and service.
In the case of the team from True Way, they were tasked with putting on three Singaporean themed events at three different locations, with the intention of drawing people to each venue so that they could hear the message about Jesus.
Short-Term mission trips are often very intense. Things can change at the last minute and many hiccups may happen along the way. This trip was no exception, and by the end of the week everyone was very tired. But we are grateful that God’s grace and provision was evident throughout.
While speaking to one of the team members, she remarked candidly that they are a motley crew, who have never worked together before and yet there they were, singing and talking to the Japanese. The difference, she added, was that they were all there united by a common purpose; to see God’s name glorified through their humble efforts.
When reflecting about the experience, Ephesians 4:15-16 comes to mind.
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
Each group is made up of different individuals, the different parts of the body. At the top, is the Lord Jesus, who is our head. Our aim is to emulate Christ in everything we do. Thus, working together in our different abilities, the body grows in love.
In every Christian activity it requires us to come together to play our roles. Though we are not family through blood, we are family because we are united in the death and resurrection of Christ.
Whether we are familiar with each other or not, every group activity requires us to rely on each other not just to do our job properly but to remember the purpose; why we are doing this. Indeed, being united with a common purpose and trusting that each of us will do our part is an important aspect of the Christian faith. Whether it is gathering at church for Sunday service or being at a workplace bible study, it is this shared faith in Jesus and shared purpose that He be glorified. And that brings us together again and again though we come from all ages and different walks of life.
Doing our job well, we grow in love. And through this love, others will know who our Lord is.
John 13:35. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
I give thanks for the things that the Lord did through the Short-Term Team even in their short trip to Japan. Their humble service was an encouragement to the local Japanese Christians and a bridge of love to non-Christians. My prayer is that we in True Way will continue to walk faithfully in the Lord, following His plan whether in Singapore or in any country, united by a common purpose – to glorify His name. May His name be glorified by our deeds.
