CALLING FOR NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA
David & Alice Kong recently shared how they came about making one of the biggest decisions in their lives. They are the parents of twins Martin & Mervin both aged 6 and Moses aged 4.
1. What motivated/inspired you to join the pioneering work in Toronto?
It is to obey God’s greatest command. Firstly, it was a hands-on-the-ground with the se ed church in Toronto via a mission trip, interacting with the existing members, and also getting a feel of the culture and the needs of the residents. There are many people who struggle with daily living even in the developed city like Toronto. Christians are to be the light of the world, and my family would want to be a lamp that God uses in this city. Everyone needs hope and only through Jesus can true everlasting hope be found.
2. What is your greatest challenge in relocating to North America?
It is to make a living. It is acclimatizing our three kids, my wife and my self to a new culture, different lifestyle, and other changes required in the new place. It is understanding local culture, expectations and working within their system which is much different from that in Singapore.
3. How are you preparing yourself for missions?
While waiting for Permanent Residence Status, we are getting updates on Canadian political, job market, cultural changes from websites. We are keeping our financial commitments low while in Singapore. We meet regularly with the other two couples (Richard/Yuet Mei & David/Sharon) in Singapore who are going to Toronto. Also we are seeking through contacts in Toronto and seeking God for wisdom in the area of starting a business.
4. What do you look forward most in going for missions?
It is to meet the needs of people. It is to see God work his miracles victoriously through the lives of believers. It is also the challenge of being a hands-on tentmaker in the mission field.
David and Sharon Guanawan. They are parents to Theophilus aged 3 and they just had their second child in December.
1. What motivated/inspired you to join the pioneering work in Toronto?
We are willing to go to any developed country as we think that our giftings together are able to serve the needs of the people. Since Toronto is a country that is open for exploration under Hope Singapore, we signed on! David has a burden to reach out to people through apologetics. Sharon loves the arts and meeting people from all walks of life.
2. What is your greatest challenge in relocating to North America?
Relocating to anywhere requires change of mindset, adaptation to the culture, norms and even unknowns. Although at this point, we are unable to pinpoint specific challenges. However, some of what we think might require adjustments are financial planning as well as management of family with young kids without a helper. Of course, being away from family members would also require some getting used to as well.
3. How are you preparing yourself for missions?
There are many facets to missions that we need to learn about, particularly about the country, culture, people group and needs area. Both David & I are avid learners and we believe in continuously upgrading ourselves wherever we are. As our heart is willing, the Lord leads. Sharon is looking forward to complete her keyboard training in worship while David is currently into his final years of Master of Ministerial Study.
We are still looking out for opportunities where we can learn cross-cultural mission, team dynamics and other aspects of doing missions.
Learning never stops, serving God is a mission. We look for opportunities to serve where we are, be it now or in the future; making a difference as a Stay-at-home-mom (SAHM), in the marketplace, helping out in our neighbourhood, or to fill a need in the church. We are willing for God to mould us and strengthen our faith.
4. What do you look forward most in going for missions?
It will be a place of unfamiliarity where even the most mundane things in life will be different. It will be a humbling experience to start. Yet, our hearts are pounding for the adventure that God is opening up for us. We have waited several years for this. Finally, getting connected with the people we are reaching out to and seeing people grow and church mature will be the high point.
