Cultivating community

(This blog post is a follow-up to an article posted a year ago entitled “Gaining access to a new community.”  Praise the Lord for the ways he has grown and blessed this ministry effort in SE Asia!)

One of the most encouraging pieces of feedback we consistently receive from our friends is about the strong sense of community at our events. It’s what sets us apart from other English clubs and social groups here in our large city. 

Most people living in this city aren’t originally from here. They’ve come from small towns—often far away—in search of education and career opportunities. In doing so, they leave behind the family and lifelong friendships that shaped them. 

This is where we see opportunities to become a part of their new community and family. We support them, love them, and care for them. And this love isn’t just kindness—it’s a reflection of the Gospel.

Relationships built on genuine care open hearts in ways that words alone often can’t.

Even the simplest events provide something that’s often missing in their lives: real, meaningful community. And that lays the foundation for the future of this mission. I’d love to say we’ve seen hundreds of baptisms and that we’re openly proclaiming the Gospel in every moment—but that’s not the current reality. The truth is, relationships take time. They’re not linear.

Patience is essential here. We trust that God is working, even when we don’t see it right away. And we believe the Holy Spirit is guiding each step and opening the right doors at the right time.

Jed L. | Southeast Asia