Dear TB Family
Xin Chao from Saigon! A few of us spent a couple days in Ho Chi Minh city as part holiday and part ministry, visiting Daniel who is now based there working at a fine dining restaurant. Besides seeing sights and eating our way through Saigon, we were blessed to serve together in teaching local children from underprivileged families. They were hungry to learn and not afraid to try their hand at answering questions.
It was Daniel’s, George’s & Shea Ling’s first time teaching English to the children in a foreign land, and together we planned the curriculum. But like how the Holy Spirit leads, all our plans were kept aside and we went with the flow. Daniel also shared the importance of learning English as a foreigner and inspired them to hang on to their dreams. The class ended with a resounding shout by all the children of their precious identity and how much they are loved. The kids ran up to George & Daniel with big hugs and laughter, not wanting to let the teachers go! Praise the Lord! We were so much more blessed to give than to receive!
God’s goodness overflows and through Daniel’s barber, some street boys also received free professional hair cuts. Impromptu set up was organised at the front porch, and garden. Though we didn't know how to cut their hair, all hands were on deck to serve by sweeping the floor, blow drying the boys’ hair after a wash, assisting the barber.
When God gives us a heart to love the underprivileged, He makes ways for us to serve them joyfully. We don’t need to wait for church to organise missions trips. We are all missionaries - at home, in our workplace, or even when we travel and make friends overseas.
This week we also covered Genesis 33-35. Jacob’s transformation is yet again expressed when he receives forgiveness, grace and acceptance from Esau. He likened it to seeing God’s face (33:10). The last he saw God was when he wrestled with Him (32:30). God spared his life. Similarly, Esau spared his life. Esau saw he was so sorry and he just wanted to forgive his brother unexceptionally. True forgiveness comes with acknowledgement of what was wrong and repentance. The old Jacob would not have linked the incident. It tells of Jacob’s true transformation.
There are some who want to close the chapter by apologising and reconciling. Do we truly forgive those who hurt us? Or whom we hurt? Apologise and embrace them like Esau did. Be vulnerable and let them in. Only with the Holy Spirit’s help can we do that.
Secondly, we learnt never to take things into our own hands like Simeon & Levi did. In Chap 34, we see the first episode of genocide by Jacob’s sons. Jacob wasn’t aware of their plot. Despite their wrongdoings, Jacob remained obedient to God and instructed all captives to relinquish their gods. And once again God helped Jacob and his family to flee. And blessed him.
Thirdly, remember our ID is in Christ. In Chap 35, God named Jacob “Israel” again. This is the second time. Why?
* To reaffirm his identity
* God revealed more of His plan and promise to him (same as the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac)
Our role as beloved sons & daughters of Christ is to help others
1. know their true identity lies in Jesus
2. give others identity and destiny guidance
3. be fathers and mothers to the lost
Jacob found himself and found God. He calls God his own personal God and had a personal relationship with God. He called his family to clear anything of other gods.
In the same way, we find our ID in Christ, and our life must be rid of anything not of God.
Today as we plan our year end holidays, reflect how you can be a missionary during the holidays, and whose lives can you impact with Jesus’ love. Ask God to reveal His creative plan for your mission!
Father, this name we call You cuts deep into our hearts as You love us like no other. A child of God we are to You, so precious and dear. Today, as we have received Your love, show us how we can pass on this love to those who are unreachable, those who are poor in spirit and those who are less privileged. In our remaining months of 2023, use us mightily as vessels to radiate Your light and help others have hope, be loved and shine! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Love
Belimbing
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