The GO Fund recently partnered with a missionary who will live in Nepal to work among an unreached people group where less than five people have heard the Gospel. While already living and developing relationships with the people there, he was told by friends back in the States that he needed to return to manage his student debt. He knew it was the right thing to do, but he was torn between a flourishing ministry the Lord was obviously opening and an immense burden awaiting him in the US.
In November, a selection committee decided The GO Fund would accept him as a missionary partner. The joy he now experiences as a man who is freed from the barrier of student debt flows from his letter and it is something that has never before been shared outside The GO Fund walls.
I can still recall the day that I was in an area next to Kathmandu. I was in my room late at night and anticipating a much-needed Skype session with one of my pastors. I was excited to give him some amazing updates on what the Lord was doing among the people that I loved and was living with. I can remember when he called. By the tone of his voice I could tell he was a little uneasy. After the greeting he said, ‘I will just get to the point.’ My heart dropped. He continued with, ‘The missions committee wants you to come back home to take care of your student loans, finish school, and raise support.’
I was torn to pieces and told him that I would pray about it. After I got off the phone, I was angry, and crying in agony. God had provided a way in with these people, and I was living with two Buddhist Monks [within the people group], studying the Bible everyday... (Would you have wanted to come back?) Furthermore, God was allowing me to disciple an Ethnic Tibetan Church. I was in love with these people, I was pouring out my soul into their lives. They had become my family that I never had. (I didn't mention to you guys my parents, and grandparents died when I was young.)
Eventually, I decided that I need to go back home so that I would not have anything left undone back in the States. I had to tell my closest friends in Nepal that I still had school, and I owed a lot of money and the right thing to do was to go back and pay it off.
A man who is like my spiritual father was always worried and asking how I will pay off my debt. (I always had faith that God would somehow take care of it somehow) When I came back from Nepal and we prayed with each other I can remember clearly that he prayed that God would just eliminate my debt so that I could return to Nepal. We are both speechless right now at what God has done.
I want to give you guys my deepest gratitude from my heart. I thank you guys so so so much for obeying our Father and letting him do amazing marvelous things through you! I am telling you the truth; tears are streaming as I am writing this letter. Please continue to fight the good fight of faith. Thank you for obeying the Matthew 25:14-30 passage and pleasing our Lord by investing in the Kingdom!
With love,
Chris*
P.S. It means so much that I can go back to Nepal without anything tying me down. It is like a release and I am not a slave anymore! You all have helped me to come back and tie everything up so that I will be leaving nothing undone! It is so huge, I wish you could feel what I am trying to express. I am experiencing the excellent grace of God. Thank you!
*Name changed for security