I spent two days with a local family, communicating through body language despite the language barrier. Every night, we held fellowship with the neighbours, singing and reading Scripture in their language, which we didn't understand. Their humble service and generosity deeply touched us, teaching me to serve others similarly.

Vareiyo Rungsung

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I deeply felt the family’s hospitality. They served us their food, even though it was very simple. Their kindness and servant hearts touched me and taught me a powerful lesson about humility, generosity, and love. Despite having little, they were willing to give what they had. Even though there was a language barrier, we tried to communicate using Google Translate. Although we did not always understand each other, we were still able to laugh together, smile, and show love through our actions. This experience taught me that love does not always need words to be expressed.

Hannah Atacador

 

Our host was a student, aged 17. Even though he must go to school and work at night as a security guard, he had the heart to serve and connect with us using Google Translate. He lived with his aunt. They had a “spirit house”. They didn’t use it to worship spirits but to keep the father’s ashes to remember him. I understood from our Gospel and Cultures class that they didn’t change their culture but changed the meaning of it.

Wiworn Angsirikulchote (Bright)

 

Even though we couldn’t communicate in English, God could make us understand each other and laugh together through our actions and body language. I discovered something about myself, that God gave me a strength to connect easily with others even though we had just met for a few hours.

Sanches Herculano (Metta)

We visited the homes of individuals from Pakistan and Myanmar. The staff guiding us asked thoughtful questions and engaged in meaningful conversation. This encouraged me to improve my communication skills and learn to inquire sincerely. I observed their patience, as they have been interacting with these families for years. They have not simply shared the gospel message, but also fostered friendships by being companions and attentive listeners. This experience taught me the value of patience in God’s ministry, that when immediate results are not visible, I must wait patiently and avoid fixating on outcomes. During one visit, the hosts prepared a meal for us. The staff informed us that finishing

their food would bring them great joy. Each of us was served a generous portion. Although we

felt quite full, we made an effort to eat. These small gestures reminded us to adjust ourselves or forgo certain comforts to bring happiness to our friends.

​Mom Reath

 

I visited a Cambodian family in Malaysia. The woman had an accident. It was hard to tell her about God, but I tried to tell her in another way, to let her think about God. When I came back, I prayed for them. I hope one day they will open their mind to know God.

​Thorn Sovan

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The most challenging part was meeting people I had never met before, especially refugees. As an introvert, meeting many people is difficult for me. God taught me that he loves everyone, regardless of their skin colour or nationality. He reminded me that many people have come from countries where we cannot freely preach the gospel, and this is a great opportunity for us to do so. Understanding their culture makes it easier to find ways to preach the Gospel. However, relying fully on God is the key. Only God can change a person's heart. When I return to Indonesia, may God continue to grow my love for my neighbours and my extended family. I want to love them and introduce them to the true Savior, Jesus Christ.

Aris Joko Susilo

Hearing their stories showed me that faith often grows in small, seemingly ordinary steps and that God’s timing is perfect. Life for the pastor and his family was not easy for they faced financial struggles, leadership challenges, and the tragic loss of a child. Yet, their hope remained in God, reminding me that faith is not about avoiding hardships but trusting in His sustaining power through them. His wife’s story also impressed me deeply. She began attending church just to accompany her sister, crossing flooded streets and sometimes swimming to reach church. Through diligent service and respectful perseverance, she eventually gained her parents’ support and found her own faith.

Rishell Castaneda

 

We met DTC alumni and missionaries whose testimonies deeply inspired us. Despite their physical challenges, and special needs for their child, they serve God faithfully. This encouraged me amid my own family struggles, strengthening my resolve to trust God and serve faithfully in hard times.

Vareiyo Rungsung

The first lesson I learned was unity within the team. Every team member played an important role, and no one could work alone. As one of the team leaders, I tried my best to prepare and ensure that everything was ready. However, I realized that no matter how much I planned, I still made mistakes and forgot certain things. In those moments, my teammates stepped in to help and remind me. This taught me humility, that leadership does not mean doing everything alone, but walking together. I witnessed how love and care were expressed, not only toward the people we served, but also among our team members. It is easy to say, “I love” and “I care,” but showing love through action is the true treasure.

Rous Rathana

Seeing Angkor Wat reminded me of the stark difference between human effort to approach a god and the grace we receive in Christ. As Ate Rebecca (DTC faculty member) wisely said while we climbed the steps to see the sunset at Angkor Wat, “Look at how they approach their god. It is hard work.” This made me profoundly grateful that the God we serve is always accessible, and His grace allows us to approach Him freely. Yet, it also brought moments of sorrow as I realized that some people’s hearts are hardened.

Rishell Castaneda,

on visiting the temple complex near Siem Reap built in the 12th century by the Khmer empire and one of the world's cultural wonders

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I was entering a room where someone was killed, and thinking: “Did the people of Cambodia get to hear the Gospel?” As we were travelling, I saw houses and cars. The number of strokes that took to paint every house, God knows. The plant that became fossilised to be the fuel that energises the motor vehicle, God knows. Genocides happened and are still happening, God knows. It is our responsibility to share the Gospel before they experience such crimes. The urgency to share the Gospel just blazed within me. I prayed to God: “Lord, I am willing to go wherever you want me to go.” Cambodia has a dark history, but I saw love and hospitality. God’s presence is there and has been there.

Peres Lepcha,

on visiting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh. The museum is the memorial site of the “Security Office 21” (S-21) of the former Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), which served as the hub of a country-wide prison system and a secret facility to detain, interrogate, torture and kill the regime’s “political enemies”.

 

Each room was covered with photos of people, and their dead bodies were tied with chains to death. When I saw these photos, I cried, felt sad and began to get angry because I thought of my country Timor-Leste, where thousands of our families were killed and died like wild animals because of independence from Indonesia. To get healed for hurt feelings and hate takes a long time and needs God’s grace.

Sanches Herculano (Metta),

on visiting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (photo credit: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum)

As I look back at the grand narrative of the Bible, one keyword emerges again and again—moving. Human nature resists change. We prefer familiarity, stability, and the comfort of staying where we are. Yet God continually moves His people, pushing them outward so that they may “fill the earth”.

 

Many events that appear negative—famine, war, persecution—often become the very forces that propel people to move. In these forced migrations God’s redemptive work begins, expands, and unfolds. Whether it is refugees fleeing their homeland or international students crossing oceans in search of a new life, behind these stories of displacement lies another window God opens, revealing a larger and unexpected world.

 

Over the past two years, I have come to understand the inner world of the Diaspora more deeply—the longing for home, the struggles of adapting to new environments, and the painful yet necessary growth in unfamiliar lands. I find myself resonating more genuinely with those who share this journey.

 

Now, when I look at the Bible as a complete picture—like a puzzle assembled piece by piece—I see God’s intention running through it with striking clarity: Diaspora is not merely a historical tragedy; it is a strategy God uses—to bring salvation to all nations, to refine His people, and to display His glory among the nations. He uses scattering to bring people into places they never expected, and He uses movement to draw them into His deeper purposes. Through it all, He remains the God who leads, prepares, and stays with His people—the Lord of history, the One who holds every journey, even those that seem forced upon us.

​L. (Creative Access Nation),

who joined the ministry in Malaysia in 2024 and 2025

It was difficult for me because of the conflict in our country (Thailand). It wasn’t easy for me to introduce that “I come from Thailand” because I didn’t know what they were thinking. I saw some smiles were gone when I said, “I’m Thai”, but I still showed respect to them and loved them. It helped me to understand Jesus when He came to meet the woman from Samaria. They had a barrier of Jews and Samaritans, but Jesus broke the barrier and came to her.

Wiworn Angsirikulchote (Bright)

 

My best experience was when I had in-depth conversations with people. I shared my story with two high-school students, and they shared their troubles with me. The most difficult experience was the language barrier. This prevents our relationship from becoming closer and deeper. I realised that it is important and necessary for missionaries to learn the local language. Cross-cultural ministry needs someone who respects and understands the cultural differences and is willing to learn more about the local culture. The mission trip gave me the opportunity to experience the simple, kind, warm, and hospitable people and the beautiful culture in Cambodia. It changed my impression of Cambodia as a dangerous place. 

R. (Creative Access Nation)

This trip let me feel the daily life of the local church, the pastor’s daily ministry, and a three-congregation system (Mandarin, English and, Tamil) serving different cultural groups. Even with the same liturgy, worship can look very different: language, music style, emotional expression, and group interaction can all change. This helped me understand unity more deeply: not being the same but sharing one faith in different cultural ways.

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One of the hardest but most meaningful parts was getting used to Tamil worship and Christmas customs. The carols were loud, lively, and catchy. The team visited members’ homes, singing carols, reading Scripture, and giving blessings. Some even dressed as Santa Claus or bear mascots. These visits sometimes lasted until 1 am or 2 am. Physically it was tiring; culturally it stretched me. It taught me that love, devotion, and pastoral care are often shown through time, being with people, and celebrating together, not only through efficiency or a strict schedule.

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I went with the pastor to visit a Tamil children’s welfare home and a church-rented place for the homeless, including some who were recently released from prison. Through the sharing of co-workers, I felt strongly that serving people on the margins needs long-term commitment. The church is not here to give quick fixes, but steady presence, structure, and dignity. This challenged my old habit of chasing visible "results" and turned my focus back to staying faithful over time.

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During home visits, I saw spiritual and cultural tensions. In some homes, Hindu idols were still there together with images of Jesus or the cross. This helped me see a real barrier to fully following Christ—deep family traditions and religious identity. It showed me that good cross-cultural ministry needs patience and long-term teamwork, not quick judgment, and we must wait for the Holy Spirit to slowly change lives. God also showed me His character: His patience, gentleness, and faithfulness in complex cultures. God does not push change, but works step by step through His presence, relationships, and time.​

M. (Creative Access Nation)