Divine Networking
The streets in February already have ice cream vendors calling out. I’ve lived in Central Asia for over half a year now. The sweltering summer brings delicious mangoes; the gloomy autumn is filled with the rich fragrance of guavas; and winter belongs to Christmas even in a non-faith-free country. You can see children carrying bags about as tall as they are they search around for bottles to earn a little money to support the family, but at the same time, you can see God’s co-workers, with the fragrance of Christ on them.
Living with the B Family and Auntie P has been the biggest gift God has given me. We live under the same roof as a family and work together as a team. The dynamic balance of men, women, the elderly, and the young on this team is ultimately guided by God.
In mid-September, Auntie P and I took a taxi home. The driver had studied and worked in China for many years, and because of my Chinese identity, we exchanged contact information. In the current cultural context, it is inappropriate for a single young woman to exchange contact information with a strange man, so out of respect for the local culture, I stopped replying to his messages. Auntie P (being free to do so because of her age) explained the situation to the driver on my behalf and introduced him to another couple who speaks Chinese. The driver had a good spiritual conversation with the husband. But later, as the couple finished their studies and left, the connection with the driver faded away. Two months later, the driver messaged me again. Auntie P once again responded on my behalf and introduced AB to him. After several one-on-one meetings between AB and the driver, the driver invited the B Family to meet his wife and children.
God is so good at networking. “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting us the message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18–19 ESV). This new friendship between AB and the driver came along out of God’s love for this land. Even though many cultural inconveniences come along with being a single young woman in Central Asia, I have come to see how our respect for the local culture has allowed God to work through the various roles within our team. Each member of this team, whether male or female, young or old, plays a unique part in this dynamic balance, and it is ultimately God who orchestrates everything behind the scenes. Through our collective efforts and mutual respect, we have been able to navigate cultural challenges and build meaningful connections. As we do, we witness our God using these interactions to further his purposes.
There was a time when I constantly worried about what to wear and which accessories to choose. Different occasions had different expectations for attire, and I often struggled to figure out the unwritten rules. I grew tired of spending so much time searching for the right outfits.
One day, I asked a female shop assistant, “I’m looking for a suitable outfit for a Christmas party. Could you help me with some recommendations?”
The shop assistant excitedly replied, “A Christmas Party? Are you a Christian?” I nodded.
She then said, “I’m a Christian too. Are you a worker?”
I was surprised that she asked such a question in such a public setting. Before I could fully process it, she added, “I'm a worker. I’m currently in training and will be going to countries like Thailand in 2025.”
God not only sends his workers—like me—to Central Asia, but also calls his people from this region to other fields of harvest. It is a reminder that his work is global and interconnected, and he equips and sends individuals from all corners of the world to fulfil his purposes. Whether we are staying or going, each of us has a role to play in his grand plan. This realization fills me with awe and gratitude, knowing that God is actively at work here and beyond, using his people to bring his light to every nation. “Therefore, we are ambassadors of Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Lord, we ask your protection over the team’s health and well-being. We pray for spiritual unity among us, that we may be bound together in love, reflecting your grace and truth in all we do.
We pray for the friendships we have formed with the local people. Holy Spirit, move in their hearts and open their minds to truly understand the gospel. May your truth shine brightly through our words and actions, drawing them closer to you.
We lift up AB's business. Grant him wisdom in every decision he makes, and may this business be a tool in your hands to bring glory to your name. Bless it abundantly and use it as a means to further your kingdom in this place.
Finally, we ask for more workers to rise up and join in the harvest. Send workers, Lord, to serve and expand your kingdom here and beyond. Equip them with courage, wisdom, and a deep love for the people they will serve.
LZ is an intern in Central Asia.