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BEYOND MY COMFORT ZONE

by Jie Ping, Member of Bukit Panjang Methodist Church, Singapore.


When Sister Esther first invited me to join a short-term mission trip to Osaka in December 2025, I said “yes” almost without hesitation. I was filled with excitement at the thought of stepping out of my comfort zone to serve God on the mission field. However, once the excitement faded, worries quickly surfaced. I did not know the other team members, I could not speak Japanese, and I had no idea how to prepare for the cold winter. While my family supported me and sisters from church encouraged me, there were also friends and colleagues who responded with doubt and even mockery. Late at night, I wrestled repeatedly with the question: should I back out?


Japan is a country where Christians make up only about 0.5 per cent of the population. Its culture and values are deeply rooted. I could not help wondering whether ten days could make any real difference. Yet after listening to the teaching by Rev Dr Andrew Peh, my perspective began to change. During prayer, I sensed God gently reassuring me, “Do not worry. Go. Learn. Receive My teaching.”


When we arrived in Sakai City, that assurance became real once again. Each morning in the small Mission House, we shared breakfast, spent time in devotions, gathered in small groups, and served together before stepping into the unknown of the day. Although we came from different congregations and backgrounds, I witnessed true unity within the team. I experienced mutual care, cooperation, and acceptance. In the midst of the cold weather, God’s love warmed my heart, and I knew He was with us.


One of the most eye-opening experiences for me was meeting the homeless. Many people do not even realise that Japan has homeless communities. As we offered them bowls of hot porridge and saw their grateful smiles, my heart was filled with compassion, yet also a deep sense of helplessness. I prayed constantly for God’s mercy and protection over them. A few days later, while helping at Pastor Kathy’s home, she reminded me of a truth that set me free: “We are here to serve God. Salvation belongs to Him. Our role is to sow the seeds of His love and the gospel. The fruit is His work.”


During the Homeless Church service, the congregation initially appeared reserved and solemn. But when they were invited to sing and dance together, their faces lit up, and the hall was filled with joy. I sensed the Holy Spirit filling that place with peace and love.



In the adult English classes, I was deeply inspired by the diligence of the elderly students. Some already knew bits of English or other languages, yet they were eager to learn. Their determination convicted me. I had come to share the gospel, yet I had not prepared my Japanese well enough. As I listened to them struggle to express themselves, I longed to speak their language so that I could share God’s love more clearly.


After returning to Singapore, life seemed to resume its normal rhythm, but my heart was no longer the same. Japan may appear to be hard ground, yet I witnessed Pastor Kathy’s faithful obedience as she poured her life into the young, the elderly, and the underprivileged. She simply obeys the Lord and serves with love.


This short-term mission trip transformed my understanding of serving God, bearing witness, and sharing His love. I am no longer anxious about the unknown, because I know the God whom I believe in and trust.


I hold on to this Scripture that carried me throughout the journey: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6, ESV)



YOUR RESPONSE:

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