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May 10, 2021: The Gift That Gave Back

“The Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9, NKJV).

In 2017, I was living and working in Milan, Italy. I had a part-time job in a Chinese multinational company, lived downtown with my sister and did Bible work in my spare time. Life was comfortable and predictable. I was active in church and held a few offices. I enjoyed teaching Sabbath School and giving Bible studies, but I felt the need for a change.

Being a language lover, I enjoyed working with Chinese people and started studying Mandarin. I was so fascinated by my colleagues’ work ethic and their exotic country that I began to look for opportunities to go to China as a missionary. I wanted to help them know God. I wrote my friend (and future husband) and asked if he knew anyone in China. He suggested I try a health center in Malaysia first and arranged for me to go.

During this time, I discovered that our CEO was Christian, and I decided to gift him the book Steps to Christ. One day, I left it in his office. He later came to me and asked who the book was from. I admitted it was from me. He walked into his office and came out with a beautiful painting for me, with Joshua 1:9 engraved on it.

As I prepared to tell my family, friends and boss that I was leaving for Asia, l felt scared, vulnerable and afraid to leave everything behind. But, as I walked past my living room, I looked up and read the promise on my gift and was again assured that God was with me, and He will be with me wherever I go.

Thank You, God, that wherever I go, You are with me. Amen.

Eugenia Baek is a member of the West Chester church in Pennsylvania.

 

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