EAST ASIA, Zhi Jing Lim
This year I spent the longest time thus far in just a single place, volunteering under one farmer. When I described my two months there, some considered it an exploitation of volunteers, others were just aghast at my lack of discernment for choosing such a host. Yet without it I would not have developed my own insight into Jesus Sending Out the Twelve (Matt 10, Mark 6 & Luke 9) and an understanding of God’s shrewdness and my utter ignorance.
LESSON #1: Do not bring any possessions with you. This way you may keep your life.
In Matthew’s account, disciples do not need to take anything along with them because a “worker is worth his keep.” That was how I have understood it for the longest time, till I came across Luke 10 where Jesus Sends out the 72. This time, the instruction to take nothing with them comes after Jesus says “I am sending you out like lambs amongst wolves.” In other words, do not bring any valuables with you because wherever you are going, you will not be able to account for it nor will you be able to hold onto it.
Through other veteran missionary organizations, God showed me how leading with money can contort relational dynamics and hide the truth. When funds run dry, an entire organisation that took decades to build can fall like a house of cards. Singapore promotes itself as a financial hub, so often times we also want to use our strong dollar as a solution to the problems we see on the ground. Yet the Lord seems to be firm in His warning – do not extend your help with money as a first response. Instead, build skills, relations, knowledge, capability and capacity that can benefit the household He leads us into.
LESSON #2: If you want to serve someone, work for them. It is easier to know them when you work for them than when they work for you.
Needless to say, my volunteer experience broke my rose-tinted glasses and helped me see this uncomfortable truth –The more you enjoy yourself as a customer, the more work it is for the worker behind the scene. Therefore, do not ever start anything, say a cafe, if your reason is to enjoy the relaxing vibes as a consumer.
Jesus tells His disciples to go empty-handed, to be put in the position where they need to rely on the good will and grace of their host to feed and house them. And they in turn work to earn their keep. As a worker, there is unlimited access to knowing the host, because many do not bother to put up a false front for hirelings.
Moving forward for 2026 I will continue to give more time to volunteer in farms in order to learn, curate and bring agricultural methods and technology to developing countries.
Pray with me for opportunities to meet people who are willing to impart their skills and know-how to benefit the poor in South Asia.
