Submitted by Carrie Miller

When I applied to go back to East Asia, I had a few friends ask why I was going back. They would say, “Why do you want to go there again? You have already been there. You should go other places to see more of the world.” My reply would be “The Father has given me a heart and passion for the nation and his people there.” God allowed me to return to East Asia, but we were told that we might be going to a different city. However, in the end we were put in the exact same city as last year!

When we arrived at English camp, ten of the same students that were at camp last year came again this year! Two of the translators from last year were also there. Those friendships continued right where they left off a year ago, in part because I kept in touch with most of them through email.

Last summer, two of the girls on our team built a great friendship with one of the translators named Jully (pronounced Julie). These girls loved Jully and poured into her day after day. They were given a few opportunities to share with her, but most of all, they loved her and built a strong friendship with her.

When Jully first saw me this summer, she embraced me. She definitely remembered me, and we were so excited to see one another. Jully started to ask me questions right from the beginning. She remembered that I was a believer, and she was curious to know more.

One of the guys on the team, Sam and I were able to have a conversation with Jully at McDonald’s for about 45 minutes one day. She had many questions. She asked when, where, and why we became believers. She asked if our parents were believers and if we had friends to encourage us and help us get closer to God. She wanted to know what a relationship with Christ looks like.

Some of her questions were pretty deep. Jully had heard about Jesus before, but she did not know what it meant to have a relationship with him. We had an incredible conversation with Jully. She and I were able to talk some more in the week. Almost every person on our team was able to share with Jully because of her hunger and thirst to know more about our Father!

At the end of the week, Jully asked if she could have a Bible, and we were able to get her one. The conversations I was able to have with Jully regarding the gospel were the best ones I have ever had with an individual. They were totally Spirit-led.  I pray that the Lord continues to work in the life of Jully, and we get to continue to share with her. This story is such a great example of the Father’s faithfulness and ancient work when we, his children, are obedient, and I’m so thankful I went back to East Asia again.