ISMC
Praise God - International Friends Tour - Report by Lailani Mendoza

We praise God for everyone who was involved in the International Friends Tour. Thanks for helping make it a success. Here’s the original article:

 

God raised a new generation of student leaders for the International Friends Tour: Cliff from Hong Kong, Dorcas from Nigeria, Jessica from China, Ladda and Noon from Thailand, Robin and Suzie from South Korea, Rue and Sija from Zimbabwe, Sam from Canada, and myself, Lailani from the Philippines. We had a hectic itinerary planned—12 meetings in 12 days, travelling close to 4000 kilometers in B.C. and Alberta.

  Our program consisted of worship, an informative slide show about ISMC, a testimony, a short sermon by Bert, and a humorous skit that conveyed how local Christians can lead internationals to Christ. We wanted to share what God has been doing in our lives through ISMC and to encourage churches and individuals to get involved in the local missions that is largely untapped in this country.  

The Holy Spirit moved in the hearts of internationals we met. “Our boarder was very impressed with the team and even attended the program in the evening (the first time he has attended any event in the church),” shares Prince George ISMC staff Alan Bromley. We witnessed Jessica pray for the first time.

  As the team prayed another time, the Holy Spirit manifested himself to Noon through a warm sensation from her head to her feet. Dorcas writes, “[That morning] we all said goodbye to Noon. She offered a beautiful prayer to God that touched my heart. Her prayer reflected her desire to know God more and the fact that she’s being touched by the lives of everyone on this trip.” 

The God of the Harvest has answered our collective prayer of raising up workers. At each location, we spoke with people who expressed interest in helping with the ministry—whether financially or by volunteering. One person thanked us for opening his eyes; he was oblivious to the fact that many internationals were curious about Christianity and would love to go to church.

  The team was also positively changed by God through this experience. We learned to be more sensitive to God’s divine appointments. Cliff wrote this in his journal the night he shared his testimony: “One Japanese girl said she was touched by [my testimony] and I hope that she will seek Jesus more. Maybe it is God’s plan for me to sit next to her at dinner time.”  

We were reminded that God can work despite our situation. Sam writes, “It was really neat to see how the team was drawn together by a meeting…that in many ways didn’t go smoothly. God works in mysterious ways.”

  We realized that we are truly recognized as God’s people through our actions, as Robin writes, “I realize that the most special things to God are His people. It’s all about relationships and love. I have seen a lot of His people today and tasted a bit of heaven.” 

Dorcas ends her journal with the following, which echoes the sentiments of us all: “I have come to appreciate everyone on this tour for their personal love for the Saviour; for their genuine devotion to see the gospel reach the unreached; for their concern for one another. I believe we had a feel of what the early apostles experienced.”

  This journey was made possible by God’s amazing grace manifested through His people. To those who opened their homes and hearts to welcome us, and to others who planned and organized with unflagging efforts so that people may know about the millions of internationals who need Christ, we offer our deepest gratitude. You have touched and encouraged us, and we have seen God work because of you.   

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