Hi, my name is Nathan. I am an incoming fourth-year student at UofT, and I am originally from Edmonton, Alberta. This summer, I had the amazing privilege to partake in several missions ranging from local to international. Although I have countless amazing memories from throughout the summer, a highlight for me was praying with/for a client before she took the stand during an incredibly distressing divorce and child abuse case. By the grace of God, she was able to testify powerfully and articulately, and we were victorious in the case, securing justice and protection for this mother and her daughter.
How has following Jesus impacted your goals and plans this summer?
Earnestly following Jesus has been the crux of all that I did/got to do this summer. I think of this summer as an assortment of different forms of ministry in preparation for what He has in store for my future. From sports ministry to international ministry, to legal ministry, street ministry, and camp ministry as well, this summer has been an incredible opportunity to gain exposure to the many ways of serving the kingdom and discerning how I can continue to live missionally in the future. From the get-go, it was clear that the realization of these opportunities would not come from my own strength or determination; rather, the Lord hardened each step along the way and continually confirmed that His ways are higher than my own. Now, entering the school year, I am excited to take all that I have learned and carry it into the next season of my life, especially as the leader of a campus fellowship.
Why is engaging in missions important to you?
Missions is incredibly important to me because I see it as a fundamental duty, as someone who has been transformed by the radical love of Jesus, to share that with all I can—especially those who don’t often have access to the Gospel. Throughout my summer, God has encouraged me in many ways, performing many signs and wonders and abundantly providing for everything I could need. I felt truly blessed to be able to live in Matthew 6 fashion. I was also challenged in many ways that I learned from, such as realizing that ministering in a closed country is especially difficult for me, and that unlike some others, I may not feel the same deep conviction for a specific people group.
Can you share more about the spiritual climate, outreach strategy or ministry overview during your time participating on your missions trip?
My summer consisted of two main "trips." The first was a two-week trip to South Asia with Athletes in Action (AIA), ministering to a small Muslim-majority island nation. Through basketball and volleyball, our goal was to develop intentional relationships, especially with the youth of this country, in hopes of generational change that would allow for more religious freedom in the future. During our time there, we put in great effort to show that these young ones are loved and seen—something that is very lacking in this country, especially for girls. We were also able to come alongside and provide relief for a long-term missionary there, as well as encourage the very few believers present.
The second portion of my summer was spent serving in Hawaii. As a legal intern at a small Christian law firm for the months of June and July, I had the incredible privilege of uplifting and ministering to those most in need, both in court and in client meetings. Through my local church and other community partners, I was able to volunteer in a variety of ways, supporting the local people who are overwhelmingly low-income, in a neighborhood dominated by drugs, crime, and many forms of wickedness. The focus here is to meet people’s primary needs by providing food, clothing, and shelter, while also slowly working with them to overcome generational bondage. I also had the privilege of helping run a VBS program for the local kids through the church and supporting the youth ministry by establishing deep relationships with the youth.
How would you encourage someone looking to get involved or engaged missionally? Any specific resources, tools, or communities to connect with?
If you feel that the Lord is impressing on your heart a desire to get involved in missions, I would strongly encourage you to lean into that. The sad reality is that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Missions Hub is an excellent resource to find great ways to get involved; as for me, both my trips were self-initiated. There are so many opportunities out there that will align with your giftings and calling if you are willing to explore. My experience in Hawaii began as a personal project for an academic scholarship and ended up becoming the most fulfilling ministry I have ever done, once I got there and vocalized my intent to serve. Missions certainly do not have to be international either—there are many great ways to step out of your comfort zone and do important kingdom work within your local community. Take the initiative to step out in faith, and God will straighten your path, give you clarity, and provide for each step along the way.
Any other specific stories you'd like to share?
Another cool story that I forgot to share is that during our time in South Asia, we were discovered by the U.S. ambassador to that nation. He and his wife are believers but have been severely isolated over the last four years they’ve spent there. They invited us into their home, and we were able to provide much-needed fellowship and greatly encourage them. It turns out that the ambassador had previously been a student-athlete with AIA in California! Hearing his testimony of how God elevated him was super encouraging and gave me lots of hope for the future of this country with godly leaders like him.
