From a Quest Apprentice Serving in Central Asia
I have been serving in Central Asia for just over four months through Team Expansion’s Quest Missions Apprenticeship. I’m constantly amazed at what God does in such a small amount of time. I have learned a whole new alphabet and I’ve begun reading. Now, before you get too impressed, imagine a preschooler trying to read Revelation to you — now you have a better idea of what it’s like to hear me read.
With that said though, the Holy Spirit is a power like none other. I have had the privilege of going to a slum with my friend to teach Hindi literacy to kids and their parents. My first time there, I was the entertainment. I had French-braided my hair that day. Knowing basically no language, I took the end of one braid and put it over my top lip to make a mustache. It was a hit! Kids ran away to bring their friends back over to me so they could see my amazing party trick.
Becoming a Teacher
As time went on and I kept going to Hindi lessons and to the slum I slowly moved up from street performer to teacher. Just this past week I was able to go for the fourth time and help several kids sound out words as they read. It was such an amazing encouragement. I’ve been working hard on my language, but I am nowhere good enough to truly teach others. Then I was reminded of when the Spirit first entered the believers. They were speaking in languages they didn’t know.
I think that’s one of the Holy Spirit’s favorite ways to show off through us. Because we know that’s nothing we could ever do on our own!
Don’t worry, when I go back to slums I’m still called “mooch” (mustache). May God have all the glory. Forever.
Quest Missions Apprenticeship
The Quest Missions Apprenticeship has been a great peek into what long term life on the field would look like. Through this experience I’ve learned how to navigate relationships in a new culture, on a team, and with people back home. I’ve learned how to process emotions on the field, with the team, with the culture, and emotions being away from family and friends. And through all of it, I’ve seen how the Holy Spirit shows up to do incredible things for God’s glory.
