“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
There is a time, place, and season for everything and ministry in Vietnam has looked a bit different than ministry in Columbia.
First, in Columbia we really focused on being the hands and feet of Jesus by helping out with various things that the church needed help with. We did things like helping with kids and youth ministry, helping out with vegetable and recycling businesses, and giving bread to the homeless. Alternatively, here in Vietnam our ministry is mostly focused on building relationships with people here.
Additionally, Vietnam is a closed country, which means that you cannot openly evangelize. So while we were able to freely evangelize in Columbia, when there was an opportunity, here in Vietnam we have to be more careful. Because of this, we have been focusing on making friends with locals here through leading English clubs. Once a relationship is built with someone, we are more able to share about our faith in Jesus.
Outside of that ministry, we have also been able to meet and get to know some fellow believers at an international church nearby. It has been so sweet being around them, sharing joyful moments, and being encouraged in our faith.
In my personal walk with God, He has been showing me how to rest in His presence and not get too caught up in doing things for Him that I forget to just be with Him. He has been stripping away the condemning voice of perfectionism and showing me His grace for me.
Life in Vietnam has definitely been different than Columbia but I have loved it here a lot! I pray God’s blessings over you all!
Prayer requests-
I would love prayer that my team would walk in the Holy Spirit more and more and also that God would provide the rest of the funds for the race! I am at 71% and I need to be at 100% by February. Also, if God is leading you to give you can do so here…
https://adventuresinmissions.servicereef.com/events/adventures-in-missions-3/2025-world-race-gap-year-25g0903-copy/participants/elina-harbeson
Bye for now,
Elina Harbeson
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