“Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” II Timothy 2:7
Summer is about gone for 2025. School is just around the corner in two weeks. Our Summer vacations are just about over and maybe something for Labor Day Weekend. Anything planned?
The Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to reflect, to ponder on the things that he had shared and seen in his life. He’s exhorting Timothy to keep his eyes on the prize awaiting him, to avoid being consumed by his circumstances. It’s looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
As I am sitting in front of my laptop, I have been reflecting on my long “to do” list of things before we leave on our trip. I asked myself, “Did I forget anything? What are the things that I “must” have on this trip?” It’s pre-paying the utility bills and credit card balances, putting the house on vacation mode, confirming that I have all the flights and hotel booked properly, and a good idea of what we will be doing in Asia.
As important as all those things are to me, I am reminded that my greatest preparation is spiritual, not physical. Ramona and I will be viewed as American tourists in Asia, but in reality, we are ambassadors for Christ who is traveling overseas. Does God have something for us as we lay over in San Francisco to visit Ramona’s siblings or my siblings? What about the people that we will meet in our travel in Asia? It’s more than getting to our hotels and activities but whom we will meet in our journey.
Many of you have already paved the way for us spiritually and physically. Your thoughtfulness as I shared with some of you my challenges and the help that you have given to us is deeply appreciated. You are co-laborers with us as we travel to Singapore and Indonesia. Yes, we are on vacation, but it is more than a vacation. It’s also part of our spiritual journey and you have helped us.
Reflect on June through August to see what God has or is teaching you. I hope to hear what God has blessed and taught you even as we will share our blessings and lessons that we learned in Asia. See you in mid-August, Lord willing.
Kingston Tong
July 27, 2025