Being an Inspiration

The Chan Brothers Share their Experiences

Nathan Chan - I was part of the first mission team up to Rae four years ago. Back then, I remember the months of preparation we went through; educating ourselves with knowledge on spiritual warfare and the rough week we would endure. We quickly got comfortable and began our work in spreading our love for God. The week was hard, but opened the eyes of everyone on the team. We saw just how much in need this community was for love. We gave our love, devoted ourselves to our work, and in turn, fell in love with Rae’s land and people alike. And I craved more. The first year set a firm foundation for the teams to come. The people knew us, and we knew them. The people were beginning to trust us, and we trusted them to accept us. So the second year was a success as well, as we sealed lasting friendships and relationships with the people of Rae. We (our church) also secured a promise, (much to the delight of the children) to return every year.

Alas, I missed last year’s trip. I was so caught up in my own personal goals and studies that I ignored the burning call God was giving me to return to the Land of Midnight Sun. I regretted it completely, and remembered that regret as God showered me with blessings this year.

This year, my first year of university, brought many blessings. This year, the Lord taught me how to be inspirational. He taught me to pray aloud with people. He taught me to sing. He taught me to lead. And so, with these new gifts from God, I returned to Rae, for the first time ever, as a leader. I took on the post of Worship leader and Children Song leader. According to the team, I had a reviving energy that roused the children in engaging song and story. The kids would excitedly sing and dance with me, and listen intently as I told them about Noah. For the first time since I started going on the mission trips, I was a leader. I can only thank our Father God, as he has blessed me in so many ways this past year. I was blind, lame, and close to death the previous year, and he brought me back as his willing and faithful servant. And for that I am ever glad.

My love for Rae and her people has if anything grown; and I have found some wonderful friends there. I wish to continue to bring my music to Rae, and I plan to continue coming even if not with the ECBC mission trips in future years.

The people in Rae were different from what I thought they would be. They all lived such hard lives, yet they were still kind to us and acknowledged us. Though I wasn’t there long enough to develop a close friendship to, I was still glad to meet many people.

While I was there, I felt God wanted to use me as his hand to reach out to as many people as I could, so I tried to do as he wanted. In return, God opened my heart and deepened our relationship. The community had already been affected by the past three mission trips, and they thought by bringing God to them, we had brought healing to their lives. I would definitely go back again, because even though it was hard, I want to help bring God into their lives.