Jairus

Time flies! These two years feel like a dream for me. During a recent farewell event in the EU, I realized I’m finishing these precious two years of ministry life. I have many good and bad memories in these two years. I’ve also grown a lot under God.

Firstly, I want to thank everyone who is supporting this ministry and me. Without you and your prayers, I couldn’t be here to serve our Lord. Being thankful for what the Lord has given you is the first thing I’ve learnt.

Secondly, God taught me a lot of lessons in humility. He used different people and events to make me humble. The best person I learned from is my mentor Ben. He is someone who loves everyone and is very patient with everyone no matter what culture they’re from. When I first joined the EU Staff team, I often held the view that my way is better. As time passed, I realized that there’s often no better or worse way. They are just different. I have to say, these two years have been very challenging for me. I was new to the EU, new to Aussie culture, new to the people, still learning English. In these circumstances I learnt there are so many things I need to learn.

I’ve also learnt that God is in control in every circumstance, not us. As you know COVID has had a big impact on ministry with fewer in-person meetings and fewer opportunities to share the gospel. However, God has brought many people to himself during these difficult times. When we came back to in-person ministry, I was thinking that I can help more people to know Jesus and there will be more people coming back to Jesus with my experience and knowledge. The fact is we saw fewer people converted. At that time, there is one verse that reminds me of the sovereignty of the Lord: ‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.’ (Proverbs 16:3).

 ‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.’ (Proverbs 16:3).

Ben

What a privilege it’s been to have Jairus on the euFOCUS team these past two years! Working with both Mandarin Bible Study (MBS) and euFOCUS, we’ve benefited greatly from his insights into Chinese student culture. Jairus has brought our two groups closer together, enabling students to enjoy fellowship, learn, grow and serve together as sisters and brothers in Christ. I’ve especially appreciated and been excited to see Jairus encouraging and facilitating Chinese-speaking EU students – some international, some local studying Chinese – joining MBS groups and meetings – being blessed and being a blessing. Also a joy has been welcoming MBS students into euFOCUS groups and gatherings, where we’ve been able to share our resources to help deepen their devotion and discipleship.

But perhaps what I appreciate the most is the joyful privilege of sharing life and God’s with Jairus as brothers in our Lord Jesus – the precious opportunity to walk alongside one another in this ripe harvest field for this season with all its blessings and challenges – and to love, serve and grow together in the midst of God’s people from many nations, in the Lord who died and rose again for us.

Jairus Ji & Ben Lim

euFOCUS