Testimony by “Bruce”, a North American millennial living and working in Central Asia.
When I sat down to write this testimony, I was struck by an unexpected discomfort: I struggled to recall a specific moment when I had said “yes” to the Lord in my ministry. It left me questioning my own discipleship – was I missing the difficult steps of obedience? But in that moment of doubt, I felt the Lord gently remind me of Hebrews 12:18, 22: “You have come to Zion, not to Sinai.” In other words, I am free in Him, and sometimes saying “yes” is not about doing the hardest thing, but about aligning with the desires He has placed in my heart. Obedience, after all, is what pleases Him, not simply sacrifice.
This became clear to me last year after the devastating earthquakes in the region. My heart broke for the people and the nation I had come to love deeply. I felt a deep desire to return to there to serve, but every possible barrier seemed to stand in my way. Even well-meaning believers questioned my intentions: “Are you sure? There’s war and instability,” they said. “Maybe you need more training. Why not stay another year in the States for an internship program?”
For a moment, I wondered if they were right. Maybe this desire was my own, not the Lord’s. Maybe I was rebelling by wanting to go back when the doors didn’t seem to be opening. But deep in my heart, I felt a stirring from God, a confirmation that this was indeed the way I should walk. So, I said “yes” and began pushing forward, turning the quiet conviction in my heart into a public declaration: I was returning to Central Asia.
I began writing support letters, holding meetings, and praying earnestly. It was hard work, and the obstacles were real, but God made a way. When I finally landed, I felt a profound sense of peace. I knew I was exactly where God wanted me to be.
That was a year ago, and since then, I’ve had nearly 100 gospel conversations, seen healings, visited villages without access to the gospel, distributed Bibles, and even led an entire family to the Lord. I praise God for that “yes” and for the truth of His Word: “In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome”.
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