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Raymond Li
This marks my third year participating in the U.S.-China short-term missions. Due to my lack of confidence in writing, I had always hesitated to share my experiences in writing. Accepting the invitation to write this reflection has been a major challenge for me.
Inspired by Paul's Missionary Journeys
Three years ago, while sharing the Book of Acts in Sunday school, we discussed Paul’s three missionary journeys and his fourth journey to Rome. Paul spent 33 years spreading the Gospel from Jerusalem throughout Asia and to Rome. Apart from traveling by sea, he walked most of the way. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, Paul vividly describes his hardships and sufferings.
As we reflected on Paul’s fervent heart for missions, his selfless dedication to the Gospel, and his willingness to sacrifice his life, I felt an uneasy contradiction. Here we were, discussing Paul’s sufferings in the comfort of an air-conditioned room. This discomfort prompted me to make an immediate decision to join a short-term mission and take action, knowing that even if my experience would be far less challenging than Paul's, it would be more meaningful than simply talking about his struggles.
Physical Challenges
During my first short-term mission, despite completing four preparatory classes and having some understanding of the destination and responsibilities, I was still unsure of the specifics. It wasn’t until we reached our first stop that I realized we were responsible for organizing an evangelistic meeting. I felt unqualified and inadequate. Silently, I prayed for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and gave my all, though trembling with anxiety.
Each year, our mission journeys span over 2,000 miles. Six of us share a seven-seater van, which can be physically taxing, especially on ten-plus-hour drives to the mission center. We often arrived well past midnight. During these long drives, we prayed continuously for the driver, asking for safety, strength, and energy. I thank God that over three years, we arrived safely every time.
In recent years, the number of Chinese students studying in the U.S. has significantly decreased. Sometimes, we spent hours on campus without meeting a single Chinese student, which was both physically and mentally draining. However, God, who is faithful, always provided. When I met my first Chinese student on campus, I was nervous and hesitant, almost hoping they wouldn’t speak Mandarin to avoid the interaction. At times, I almost became a deserter of the Gospel. But God’s grace is made perfect in weakness—though I stumbled, I did not fall.
At the end of my first year’s journey, I tested positive for COVID-19 the night before our last day of ministry. Unable to participate, I was deeply regretful. I was also anxious about how to handle my return trip, worried I’d have to fly back to Austin alone. However, my brothers and sisters in Christ insisted on driving me back, trusting God to protect them. Amazingly, not a single one of them was infected. Later, I shared with a sister who had accompanied me, and she told me she only worried about my discomfort and never considered the risk of infection. Such profound faith left me in awe.
Spiritual Growth
The most precious experience has been the daily morning devotions. Whether in the van or a hotel room, the sharing among brothers and sisters has been deeply moving and transformative. During the first couple of days, as we were still getting to know each other, we mostly shared personal reflections. But as the days progressed, everyone began to share their encounters with God during the day or His valuable lessons in their lives. These heartfelt and genuine sharings were both inspiring and touching.
During my first evangelistic meeting, I was also tasked with sharing my personal testimony for the first time at another church. Through prayer and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I completed the testimony smoothly. Afterward, a sister from that church privately told me how touched she was by my testimony, noting how many sisters were moved to tears. She hoped the non-believers among them would be deeply inspired as well. I immediately gave thanks to God for using me as a vessel to deliver His message, giving all glory and praise to Him!
During the third year of missions, a hurricane was forecasted to be heading directly along our route. We prayed earnestly for God’s protection, and He answered. Although dark clouds loomed in the distance, sunshine lit up the path we were traveling. The hurricane passed us by! This experience reminded me of God’s sovereignty and care, even amidst storms.
New Horizons in Evangelism
With fewer Chinese students on campus, we felt led by the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel with Chinese professors and teachers as well. The center also provided English tracts, allowing us to reach non-Chinese-speaking students. A fellow team member even used these tracts to lead a Japanese student to Christ—a testament to God’s boundless work.
A Living Testimony
During the year I contracted COVID-19, I couldn’t attend the local church gathering. After the service, a church deacon personally delivered lunch to me. His eyes filled with tears when he saw me, saying he was deeply moved to see someone of my age still actively spreading the Gospel, which greatly encouraged him. Without having exchanged a single word with him, my actions had touched him deeply. This experience reminded me that as we labor for God, He sees our efforts, and so do others. It encouraged me to ensure that my words and actions reflect the image of Christ.
May all the glory and praise be to God, who enables us in our weaknesses to serve Him and others faithfully.
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