Some Encouragement

Coral asked me to share with you how I connected with the VGM kids. Here's the best i can do in the midst of packing everything before I leave for New Hampshire next week...

First, remember that God is with you and He loves these children more than anyone could ever know. In fact, it is His love that brings you to them; it's His love that compels your church (or all of your friends at home) to come all the way to Taiwan. You are willing to spend time with these kids, love them, and share your lives with them because such is how the Lord has treated you.

Once you've connected with that truth, use it as a starting point with the kids. This was something that the Spirit gave me when I had some one-on-one time with my students: "Everybody at home in America loves you so much, they care about you but they don't even know you." (They ask why, or just nod.) "Well, I know that God loves me so much, and I wanted to come all the way over here to tell you that. I want you to know that Jesus watches you and takes care of you. When I'm gone, Jesus will still be here."

... Something along those lines. May sound corny to you, but these kids have never heard those words before.

I really want to encourage you to be courageous. You are not blindly wandering through foreign land, as the Lord has gone before you and prepared the hearts of those He has called.

However much time you have left, know that God is ready to bless it. You have an enemy who wants you to fail and a Savior who has conquered that enemy.

Best,
Daisy Shih