From STM to a missionary

In the summer of 2023, due to the course requirements of MTC, I joined an STM and went to Promised City. I never expected that the first time I participated in the network’s STM, I would be deeply connected to this place.

Before, I had never really been motivated to participate in an STM, I would much prefer to travel for fun eating and drink.

The first time I got to know about Promised City was from a friend’s sharing. I learned that many local Christians are living in persecution and hardship there. Myself, growing up in a comfortable, free-living environment, it is difficult to imagine their situation, Slowly, without realizing it, this place holds a special place in my heart. When I must decide on an STM location, I would first think of this place.

The ten-day STM was full of grace-filled experiences as well as God’s reminders of my personal life. Until the day it ended, although there was a sense of excitement that I could finally go home, I didn't expect that there would also be feelings of reluctance to leave. I found that I enjoyed and cherished every relationship I established with them, so the thought of coming back arose.

Less than a month after returning to Hong Kong, I received news that an attack had taken place in the Christian area and many residents and families were displaced. When I learned about the news, I had a lot of emotions. This feeling, of being sad for a place that I had only been to for a few days, and with a group of people I had never met, was something I had never experienced before. The incident made me even more determined to return and walk with them to let them know that they were not alone.

As I shared these feelings with my pastor, she asked me, “Have you considered being a missionary?” "No", was the answer in my heart. I knew that being a missionary is not romantic, and responding to being a missionary means that there would be many trade-offs. I also couldn’t imagine myself as a missionary, so I never considered it.

This year, through a visit, I met a local brother, Adi, who is a debt slave. Although he lives in dire straits and his body is full of illness, he still strongly chooses to focus on serving God. His testimony touched me and seemed to respond to my concerns. Serving God does not necessarily require reliance on power or talent.

Like a happy ending from a TV drama, I recently received news about him that he and his family have been ransomed! However, what they can do is still limited, and there are still many more people who are living in hardships in the community. In the entire country, many people are still facing persecution, they need to be cared for, and they need someone to support them by their side.

Walking and supporting them is something I am eager to do, and it is also my purpose to go on an STM this year. After two STM to Promised City, I believe that God has placed these people in my heart. I also hope that this relationship with the locals is not short-lived, but instead, we can be together for a little more while. So, now, as a missionary from Promised City, this is my most recent goal for myself.

Thank you for reading, I am Sa from Shining Church.

May you all hold on to the calling God has placed in your heart!