Stories from MWS’ mission fields
The work of missions provides answers to the questions, “Who am I?” and “Whose am I?”, through sharing the gospel of salvation and teaching God’s Word. Read three testimonies from the mission fields of Timor-Leste, Nepal and Cambodia.
Questions of identity assail us ever so often. As a worker in the mission field and as a former youth worker at the local church where I worship, I have found that “Who am I?” and “Whose am I?” are common—yet very important—questions, especially to young people in their formative years.
In the Bible, God tells us that we are his precious sons and daughters. He created us, he loves us and he gives us hope. He made us for community. As part of God’s Church, we grow in our Christian understanding alongside our brothers and sisters in the faith. In our discipleship journey, God calls us to service. We deepen our relationship with our Lord as we step forward in obedience.
Missions is the work of making disciples of all nations. As missionaries serve in foreign countries and reach out with the love of Christ, the many platforms of mission endeavours have drawn people to God and helped them form their identity in Christ. Missions work nurtures that identity as faith takes root and deepens in the lives of believers. Missions provide answers to the questions, “Who am I?” and “Whose am I?”, through sharing the gospel of salvation and teaching God’s Word.
Many stories testify the wonderful work of God in transforming lives, giving them assurance in Jesus and an identity in Christ. Here we share three testimonies from MMS’ mission fields and praise God for each one drawn into the Kingdom. Shinta, from Timor-Leste, found her identity as a child of God. Meena, from Nepal, found a community to walk the faith journey with together. Nob Manin, a leader at The Methodist Church in Cambodia, experiences Jesus more deeply as she serves her community.
I am a child of God
Shinta is a young adult from Timor-Leste. She experienced God’s love during her stay at Sundermeier Home, a hostel that ministers to its residents. Joe and Grace, missionaries serving as house parents, gave Shinta lots of affirmation and encouragement. During a time of worship, Shinta made a commitment and surrendered herself to Jesus. She now experiences freedom that comes from knowing that she is a precious child of God, forgiven and freed from her past. She knows that she belongs to God and this has helped her overcome many fears.
I belong in the community of Christ
Meena was born in a remote village in Nepal. When she was seven years old, she joined Sophia’s Home, a home set up for underprivileged girls. At Sophia’s Home, Meena found a community, her big family as she calls it, of caring sisters and devoted home parents that came alongside her as she learnt and grew in the Christian faith. This community of Christ formed and shaped her, and made her to be the woman that she is today. Presently, Meena serves in the children’s ministry in a church in Cyprus. The community at Sophia’s Home, which she keeps in touch with, continues to give her courage and strength, and they journey with her as she fulfills God’s purpose in her life.
I serve where God calls me to
Nob Manin is a coordinator at Flourish Ministry in Cambodia, which gives Cambodian women a way to supplement their livelihood through handmade crafts. Manin guides the women in the handicraft work and provides important spiritual mentoring. The women in this ministry are taught God’s Word at weekly devotions and prayer meetings. As Manin steps forward in faith and obedience, trusting that God will guide her service, she experiences God’s faithfulness and grace through her commitment to serve.
Shinta, Meena and Nob Manin found the answers to real existential questions that all of us will ask at one point or another. Together with Shinta, Meena and Manin, we affirm that we are, each of us, a precious child of God. Our identity, anchored in Jesus our Saviour, is fostered and strengthened in a community built upon the love of Christ. As we commit to serving God’s ministry through faithful obedience, we continue to learn and grow in this relationship with our heavenly Father. Indeed, I myself am a child of God belonging in the family of Christ and serving my Heavenly Father’s missions.
Testimonies of Shinta, Meena and Nob Manin, as well as many more, can be found at
Project Metamorphosis at https://mms.org.sg.
Chern Siang Ling is the Regional Director for Cambodia, Nepal and Vietnam at Methodist Missions Society (MMS). She is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church and previously served as a Lay Executive Staff there after a season as a missionary. / Photos courtesy of MMS
