Hi, my name is Amanda, and I'm going into my second year of Life Sciences at UofT!
My favourite memory from this summer: I had the privilege of being a part of God's ministry in Desert Rain. My favourite memory was when our team left and landed for our debrief. The moment our team stepped off the plane, we all proclaimed "Jesus!" loudly to the sky. The burden of refraining from saying His name for a whole month was instantly lifted. We spent the next three days freely praising the Lord and singing worship songs loudly. It left me with a deep gratitude for the freedom to worship Christ back home in Canada.
How has following Jesus impacted your goals and plans this summer?
This summer was my first four month University summer, and I wanted to use it to explore the world while serving God’s Kingdom. God intentionally placed me on four continents, allowing me to take part in missions, travel, and work opportunities. Through the time I spent in each continent, He used me in different ways and Jehovah Jireh provided everything I needed along the journey.
Why is engaging in missions important to you?
God has put missions onto my heart ever since March 2025, when I had an opportunity to go to Jamaica and visit a kindergarten there. As soon as I stepped in the school, my heart was so full. The overflowing joy of these children that welcomed us in singing worship songs. Though I was young in my faith, this experience opened my eyes to what God can do in these communities, giving them hope, joy and filling them with love, despite their unfortunate living conditions.
Growing up in China, I had never heard of Jesus' name before until moving to Canada. I knew at that moment, the world is much larger than my hometown. There are so many out there who have never heard the name of Jesus, and have yet to experience His goodness.
Can you share about the spiritual climate, outreach strategy or ministry overview during your time on your missions trip?
Our team stepped into a nation where Islam is deeply connected to culture and identity, yet we witnessed many hearts searching for truth. Like Elijah’s servant seeing a small cloud rising from the sea (1 Kings 18:44), we witnessed a glimpse of the greater rain God is preparing. Through the faithful work of those who came before us, God has been preparing hearts, and many locals are now seeking Him and serving in the local ministry.
Our outreach strategy focused on building genuine relationships and sharing the gospel through love, not simply checking a box of evangelism. Through conversations, activities, and connecting with local friends, we were able to share testimonies and proclaim the truth of the gospel. One evening, God opened the door for nine people to hear the gospel through a conversation at a restaurant, with a local waitress translating for our friends.
Through my local friends, I realized that although this nation is deeply shaped by Islam, many young people are discontent and searching for truth. Behind the prayer calls five times a day, the 30 days of Ramadan fasting, and countless religious practices, there are hearts longing to know who Jesus truly is. Although our team was only there for a short time, we were able to build relationships and pass them on to long-term missionaries who will continue walking alongside them.
How would you encourage someone looking to get involved or engaged missionally? Any specific resources, tools, or communities to connect with?
I'd recommend connecting through your campus ministry! There are also Mission Nights at P2C that are great events to get connected through people who've gone on missions in the past.
Any other specific stories you'd like to share?
Before my first hangout with our local friend J*, I worried about the language barrier. Our first conversation needed Google Translate for merely surface level topics, so I wondered how we would ever share the gospel for her to understand.
My teammate Rae and I prayed, asking God to help us overcome the barrier whichever way He intended. Whether that looked like being able to speak in Arabic, for J* to understand English, or another way we could not expect.
When we met J* at a cafe, she brought two friends along with her. The waitress serving our table happened to speak fluent English. Before long, we began sharing our testimonies and the gospel, and the waitress stayed at our table the entire two hour conversation, translating everything into Arabic for J* and her friends.
They were fascinated hearing about the truth of the gospel for the first time in their lives. Even the tables next to us had their bodies turned to listen, and another waiter joined the conversation as well. By the end of the evening, nine people had heard the gospel.
