My journey to "The Gateway to Asia" began three years ago, when I seized the opportunity to study at Hong Kong Baptist University for my sophomore academic year from 2009-10. During that time, I remember spending countless hours focusing intently on all of the activity surrounding me each day. One could say I had a lot of time on my hands and energy in my feet. My eyes were quickly opened to globalization at its finest, where people from all walks of life collided.
It was love at first sight.
I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Everyone thought I was crazy for leaving Kentucky all on my own for such a long time. So it seemed. I must say, looking back, it was the quickest year I will probably ever experience.
My life was radically changed.
The environment was so busy and competitive, and the noise and chaos challenged me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. This enculturation process began to prepare me for the road ahead. Though I did not realize it until now. Today, our world is flattening even more. Cultures are integrating regardless of personal preferences. My nickname was "Kentucky Jon" because Colonel Sanders has been made famous from East to West.
You would think that upon my return to "My Ole' Kentucky Home" far away I would feel a great sense of comfort. I am restless, and never comfortable. Why? because I know with all my being that my journey was only beginning. In a world that is flat, I find no rhyme or reason for staying pinned in one spot.
Discovery. I don't need motivation to go to the ends of the earth because there are so many reasons to be inspired by the world in front of us. It's just a given. I love what Jeff Iorg (President of Golden Gate Theological Seminary) writes in his book, The Character of Leadership:
[ For years I have tried to find one answer to this question, "What do I have that I did not receive?" Every possible answer can be traced back to some source over which I had no control or input. This has led me to this conclusion and affirmation: My life is a result of what God and others have done for me.When you come to that conviction, you will have started on the journey toward humility. My life is a result of what God has done for me. He has saved me, given me purpose, and called me into ministry. He has gifted me with spiritual gifts and natural talents. God has structured my circumstances to shape my character and remake me into the image of Jesus. He has given me ministry positions, some supernatural results, and many life-shaping opportunities. God has done a lot for me and you too! ]
On that note, you find Jesus to be the world's God-given gateway. So take the gift and run with it to wherever he leads! Don't stop there, because this gift must be distributed all around the world for all people to receive.
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Location:Magnolia Dr,Richmond,United States
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