East Asia Missions Trip

[zhangliao04]

Hello fellow Volnation users.

This thread, as you have probably already guessed it, is about my upcoming trip to East Asia (June 3rd to June 10th 2015). My church here in Knoxville, TN will be sending a group of us to East Asia to help spread the limitless love of Christ. East Asia is a part of the world where there are very few believers and many people have never even heard of Christ or what He did for us. It is our mission to help spread the Good News and allow ourselves to be used by God to bring the knowledge of Christ to a part of the world that is in need of the Good News and ultimately see more souls saved.

The culture of the area that my team and I will be traveling to is a pretty open culture where people love interacting with others, especially going out to eat together. On this trip I will be working along side a missionary (already established in the area) with who we will be spending the majority of our time getting to know the local people. Through this I will be able to talk to them about Christ and about His love for us, His life, death, and resurrection.

Right now you are probably asking why I am posting this. The reason I am posting this is because I am asking for support through prayer and/or finances. If you go back and look at the early church in Acts 2 you will see a church that did life together. They ate together, worshiped together, prayed together, they did life together. Now, the word church being used here is not talking about the building but rather the whole body of believers all over the world and prayer is one of the most powerful acts that can be used. I ask that you join with me in prayer that God will use my team and I in a mighty way while on this trip and that many souls are saved through the process. All glory to God!

As for the finances part, I am a graduate student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. As you can probably already understand my financial situation is rough with trying to come up with the money to pay off this trip. The trip cost is $2200, but I truly believe that God will fully provide me with the resources needed to go on this trip. So, any amount is very helpful and I can not say this enough that I will be most grateful for your willing to partner with me through this. If you wish to help me financially then there are two ways to do this. #1) I have a Go Fund Me webpage that you can visit and donate through there (the URL is East Asia Missions Trip by Jason Lang - GoFundMe). #2) You can go through my church's website and donate there. According to my team leader all donations given through the church website are tax deductible (for tax season) so there is an incentive for doing it that way. But, you do have to create an account in order to give through my church's website. Don't worry, we don't spam email people. If anybody needs any help with that I can definitely help.

Thank you very much for taking the time out of your day to read this post. I very much appreciate your time and look forward to giving updates along the way as well as (hopefully) during and after the trip.

God Bless.

 

[Darth_Shiveman]

What part of east Asia are you going to exactly? Japan? South Korea? China? East Asia is a pretty huge place and I haven't seen any details of where exactly you plan on going.

 

[zhangliao04]

The reason I am deciding to use East Asia is because my team leader (who has been on this trip multiple times) told me not to use the country's name. This is due to the certain country's government constantly scanning the internet and we do not want to bring any unwanted attention onto the missionary himself/herself. I can tell you that it is not Japan, a Korea, or the Philippines. It's the big one, if you catch my drift.

I gave him my word that I would not do that and I do wish to stand by my word. Hope that helps :hi:.

 

[Darth_Shiveman]

Got it. I figured that was the case as there is a relatively sizable Christian minority there (at least compared to most East Asian/Southeast Asian countries and the standard of living is so high in Japan and South Korea that mission trips aren't often all that necessary in the way they are in other developing countries.

Had you been going to any of the other East Asian countries, I could've offered some travel advice, but I'm sad to say I haven't yet been where you're going. About the only advice I can offer is to buy some surgical masks when you get there (there should be some at any convenience stores like 7-11). If you're in a big city, they can be good to wear while using public transportation (it can get pretty crammed) and you'll definitely need one for smoggy days when the pollution is heavy (seriously, some days in Japan so much smog gets blown over from China that you can't see 100 yards ahead of you!).

Good luck on your travels!

 

[zhangliao04]

Thanks for the advice! I have never been to where I am traveling before as well. I have been to Japan, though. On that trip we started out in Tokyo and I have never seen so many people on a subway in my entire life. I have not thought about the smog problem yet so thank you for the information on that. I will do as you suggested. I know we will be in a big city for a small part of the time, but I still do not know much about the city/town we will be staying in for most of the time. I just know that my leader said from past missions trips there the locals are very talkative and love to go out to eat with others. I'm all for that lol.

 

[joevol33]

Prayers for your church, and those going.

 

[zhangliao04]

Thank you. They are very much appreciated.

 

[nicksjuzunk]

Blessings as you go Jason

I've been doing that business in Southeast Asia for about 9 years now. First Malaysia, now Thailand.

7 days is really short. Jet lag will kill you the first couple of days. Once you get on that plane, adjust your clock, and sleep accordingly, but honestly, just sleep any chance you get. Once on the ground, stay busy, don't nap, and don't sleep till 7:30 or so. You should adjust in two or three days.

 

[PKT_VOL]

Just from reading between the lines, it seems you are going to the red giant. Proselytizing over there can be touch and go compared to it's little red sister to the south. The fact that you American and (probably white) helps.

As has been mentioned, smog is a really big problem over there. A smog mask would be a smart investment. They even have bags of oxygen you can buy if a mask isn't enough.

Eating over there is a big deal. It is the way they bond. Meals can easily last 3-4 hours. If you get out of the big cities, don't be alarmed if random people invite you to dinner due to you being different (most eat on the street so walking by is all it takes).

Stay way from raw vegetables. Your body probably won't be able to handle it. Westerners tend to think it is the meat that will get you (food poisoning) but it is the raw vegetables that can ruin a trip real quick.

 

[GBO1988]

Stay safe brother and bring them the truth .

 

[zhangliao04]

Blessings as you go Jason

I've been doing that business in Southeast Asia for about 9 years now. First Malaysia, now Thailand.

7 days is really short. Jet lag will kill you the first couple of days. Once you get on that plane, adjust your clock, and sleep accordingly, but honestly, just sleep any chance you get. Once on the ground, stay busy, don't nap, and don't sleep till 7:30 or so. You should adjust in two or three days.

Thank you, Nick.

This will actually be my second time over to that side of the world. I went to Japan in 2008 on a educational trip for undergrad that lasted 9 days. Honestly, I did not have any jet lag going to Japan. It was coming back to the USA when I experienced it pretty well, but there were major factors that helped with that. I really hope that my body acts the same way this time like it did traveling out to Japan. I do not want to miss any experience on this trip.

Also, since you have been over there for so long I would like to say that if you are willing to share any info or tidbits you can give me regarding culture or anything over there then I would definitely be grateful for your knowledge on the matter.

 

[zhangliao04]

Just from reading between the lines, it seems you are going to the red giant. Proselytizing over there can be touch and go compared to it's little red sister to the south. The fact that you American and (probably white) helps.

As has been mentioned, smog is a really big problem over there. A smog mask would be a smart investment. They even have bags of oxygen you can buy if a mask isn't enough.

Eating over there is a big deal. It is the way they bond. Meals can easily last 3-4 hours. If you get out of the big cities, don't be alarmed if random people invite you to dinner due to you being different (most eat on the street so walking by is all it takes).

Stay way from raw vegetables. Your body probably won't be able to handle it. Westerners tend to think it is the meat that will get you (food poisoning) but it is the raw vegetables that can ruin a trip real quick.

I will be looking into getting a smog mask for the trip. I would like to be ready for that and since you and other people have mentioned it I am sure I will need one. Interesting note on the oxygen bag part, too.

Yeah, the dinner thing was mentioned by my team leader. He said to not be surprised if we are eating 4-5 meals a day because that's what they like to do while conversing with others. I will be investing in some acid reflux stuff for this .

I agree with the raw veggies. Sticking to bottled water will also be a strategy of mine. I don't feel like meeting up with good ole Montezuma at any time on the trip.

Thank you for the info :hi:

 

[zhangliao04]

Stay safe brother and bring them the truth .

Thank you for your prayers, bro. :hi:

 

[nicksjuzunk]

Thank you, Nick.

This will actually be my second time over to that side of the world. I went to Japan in 2008 on a educational trip for undergrad that lasted 9 days. Honestly, I did not have any jet lag going to Japan. It was coming back to the USA when I experienced it pretty well, but there were major factors that helped with that. I really hope that my body acts the same way this time like it did traveling out to Japan. I do not want to miss any experience on this trip.

Also, since you have been over there for so long I would like to say that if you are willing to share any info or tidbits you can give me regarding culture or anything over there then I would definitely be grateful for your knowledge on the matter.

For a trip of that length, the return will be the killer, as you said. There is also no "newness" to keep you excited, as you go back to K-town.

I worked with that group of people in Malaysia some and also work with them here in Thailand. Last night was their New Year celebration, and I had a group of university students in my home cooking for over 7 hours, lol.

My family will actually be taking a short furlough this summer, and be in Knoxville May 18th - June. If your Pastor/group coordinator would be interested in hearing from me/us, let me know. It can be a service, bible study, or just a small group setting... whatever you want. My junk email account is nicksjuzunk @ yahoo.com. I check it about once a week if you want to give me a shout, and I can link you to our website and give you my regular email.

Our family is also available to share with other church groups, if anyone is interested

 

[zhangliao04]

For a trip of that length, the return will be the killer, as you said. There is also no "newness" to keep you excited, as you go back to K-town.

I worked with that group of people in Malaysia some and also work with them here in Thailand. Last night was their New Year celebration, and I had a group of university students in my home cooking for over 7 hours, lol.

My family will actually be taking a short furlough this summer, and be in Knoxville May 18th - June. If your Pastor/group coordinator would be interested in hearing from me/us, let me know. It can be a service, bible study, or just a small group setting... whatever you want. My junk email account is nicksjuzunk @ yahoo.com. I check it about once a week if you want to give me a shout, and I can link you to our website and give you my regular email.

Our family is also available to share with other church groups, if anyone is interested

7 hours of cooking. Sounds like a fun-filled time! Helps keep you young at heart though, I guess. We college kids have a way of doing that .

Thank you for offering up your services like that. It is very much appreciated. Right now we have 3-4 people that are going on the trip with a possible 3 more looking into it which brings the group total 6-7 people (which my group leader believes is big enough for what we will be doing). I will be having a meeting with him here soon and I will discuss your offer with him. I do not know if he will take it up or not, but I can try. Would love to talk to you and get your thoughts on the culture and whatnot that is found over there. Being a missionary over in that part of the world for 9 years means you have experience. I believe my team leader has done this trip quite a few times before. Also, if you wish to know the church I go to (and the church that is putting together this missions trip) it is Faith Promise Church. Just in case you wanted to know all of that. :hi:

 

[nicksjuzunk]

7 hours of cooking. Sounds like a fun-filled time! Helps keep you young at heart though, I guess. We college kids have a way of doing that .

Thank you for offering up your services like that. It is very much appreciated. Right now we have 3-4 people that are going on the trip with a possible 3 more looking into it which brings the group total 6-7 people (which my group leader believes is big enough for what we will be doing). I will be having a meeting with him here soon and I will discuss your offer with him. I do not know if he will take it up or not, but I can try. Would love to talk to you and get your thoughts on the culture and whatnot that is found over there. Being a missionary over in that part of the world for 9 years means you have experience. I believe my team leader has done this trip quite a few times before. Also, if you wish to know the church I go to (and the church that is putting together this missions trip) it is Faith Promise Church. Just in case you wanted to know all of that. :hi:

I always seem to end up working with teens and college students. We just had a girl from the group make a public declaration of becoming a follower. It's been a beautiful process to watch unfold.

Just drop me an email if you guys are interested. I love to stir the fire for missions. I'm not the foremost expert in that particular culture, but having worked with some of the people, I guess I do have some insights. My strength would be more in Q&A regarding this type of work, inspirational type of message regarding the need for missions, following God's direction, etc.

I'll probably end up sharing in around 5-10 churches when we come through, but am always looking to connect with new churches as well. It's all about building the Kingdom, and one of my favorite things to do is to talk to people who are still young and impressionable, and to challenge them to take up the call.

 

[zhangliao04]

I always seem to end up working with teens and college students. We just had a girl from the group make a public declaration of becoming a follower. It's been a beautiful process to watch unfold.

Just drop me an email if you guys are interested. I love to stir the fire for missions. I'm not the foremost expert in that particular culture, but having worked with some of the people, I guess I do have some insights. My strength would be more in Q&A regarding this type of work, inspirational type of message regarding the need for missions, following God's direction, etc.

I'll probably end up sharing in around 5-10 churches when we come through, but am always looking to connect with new churches as well. It's all about building the Kingdom, and one of my favorite things to do is to talk to people who are still young and impressionable, and to challenge them to take up the call.

That is awesome to hear. Always amazing hearing things like that. I bet it was a joyous time when she shared the great news.

Will do, man. I will catch up with him and talk to him about it and what he wants to do. I am just excited to have found a trip to this part of the world. After taking a trip to Japan I saw the need for the Gospel in that country and have ever since thought about going back in the sense of missions. I know that Japan and where I am going are different culturally, but the amount of knowledge of Christ in both countries is very low. And, like I have said before, I have always had a liking for that area of the world.