ASHLEY SONG

Having previously gone on mission trips with my home church, I never felt that I needed KCM’s STSM program. But through mission report nights and hearing from past trainees, God gradually began to stir my heart.

While I was still convinced I didn’t need STSM, I attended last year’s Kingdom Come expecting very little for myself. However, at the end of the night, I went home knowing that God’s call to go was undeniable. His voice had never felt so clear, but I still wrestled with giving Him my wholehearted “yes.” In my heart, I still wanted to go back on missions with my church, and I also held doubts about whether committing over a month of my summer would be a wise decision. In the midst of these doubts, God reminded me that His plans are perfect and whole, and that if this calling was truly from Him, His provision would far exceed any of my worries. With this assurance, I chose to obey and committed to going on STSM.

“For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” 2 Corinthians 4:5-7

During our time in India, God continued to teach me what it meant to trust Him, even when His ways felt unfathomable. One of the primary ministries we served in was discipleship, where we met with high school and pre-university students to build relationships and share about our faith. Although these students attended a Christian school, several came from Hindu or Muslim backgrounds. Initially, it was difficult to lead them into deeper conversations, and I often felt discouraged when I compared my experience to my teammates who seemed to be having the spiritually deep discussions I wanted.

Over time, God met me in that discouragement. Through repeated meetings and meaningful conversations with some of my discipleship groups, I was reminded that building relationships itself is a powerful way to reflect His love. Where I was so focused on my own capabilities to sow seeds in these lives, God reminded me that it is not by my own strength, but by His surpassing power, that He works through us (2 Corinthians 4:5-7).

As our team served through various ministries, such as spending time with the children, the blind elderly, and individuals affected by leprosy, God brought us close to His heart. Through praying with them and listening to their stories, God truly broke our hearts for what breaks His. While witnessing the brokenness of the world can easily lead us to question God’s goodness, He reminded me that our greatest need in this world is a Savior from our sins, and that He has already met that need through His great, gracious gift of salvation.

One of my greatest blessings from STSM was the deep conviction I had of the comfort and complacency I had in my faith. As I reflect on the experience, I am reminded that God’s love truly is the only thing that satisfies. As I spent time in the Word, heard my teammates’ testimonies, and witnessed the powerful work that He is doing in India, Jesus has become even dearer and sweeter to me. I am challenged to live a life that is honorable and fully surrendered to Him, choosing Him over my comfort and distractions. While I once doubted that STSM would profoundly impact my life, I am immensely grateful that God led me to India last summer. Knowing, loving, and serving Him is truly the greatest joy of my life.

He is so great and worthy of my praise.