A new beginning

No, I don't do new year's resolutions for either January 1 new year's or Chinese new years. But, I do think it's important to periodically reflect back and see where we've come. So this year, it was humbling to look back on the whirlwind of November and December and see where God brought me -- by his strength and his grace.

January 1 was another trip to Guangzhou where it was awesome to see the passion of brother and sisters in Christ there. If you ascribe to the theory that the church only thrives on the 'periphery' of society, such that it started in Europe to North America yet, argubly, now only really exists in Africa and Asia, this idea was confirmed by the passion of the students that we met. They truly see their role to spread the gospel in the country. And it is encouraging to see the fruit of previous generations of 'ingrafted' Christians there to build the local church there. Of course, many difficulties continue to exist and much work needs to be done, but it is awesome to see many empassioned individuals actively and willingly take up the role as workers in the fields. Praise the Lord!

And then, despite through various business trips, January was yet another whirlwind month for me in a different way, and similarly, I can only look back and praise God for his grace and timing. Now, as I go forward into this totally unexpected new period, I am excited and scared at the same time to learn what it really means to serve, submit, sacrifice, and together, seek God's will for our lives. Praise Him!

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.