Students,
Tomorrow I will fly to Montana, to join a group of men, for the LeaderTrek 2020. Together we will do backpack hiking in the Glacier National Park for five days and about 50 miles.
This is my third time taking such a trip in the past three years, but will be the first time in 2020 I travel by air. Almost all of my plan in 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic: winter camp, No-fear camp, climbing a 20,000 ft mountain and celebrating my 20th anniversary of marriage… …
I have been thinking about the theme of this new school year until I read Luke 1:49:
“For he who is mighty has done great things for me”
You may still recall,
- In 2017-2018, our theme was “Do Hard Things”. We chose to step out of our comfort zone and embrace challenges.
- In 2018-2019, our theme was “Do Little Things”. We chose to focus on doing small things with love and excellence.
- In 2019-2020, our theme was “Do Right Things”. We chose to speak right words, make right choice and stay on the right path.
This year, we will focus on Do Great Things.
Are you kidding? You may be wondering… …
How can we do great things, in the midst of this global pandemic, uncertain about the China and US bilateral relationship and our future?
Well, according to Luke, our God is mighty and he has done great things.
If you recalled what God has done in us and through us, since the start of the pandemic, it is nothing short of a miracle:
- We successfully hosted Chinese New Year fundraising concert, raised $20,222 and donated to Huangang COVID-19 relief efforts
- 18 students and staff ran Austin Marathon and Half Marathon
- Over 47 students participated in Miles for Lifeand raised over $5000 for COVID-19 relief efforts
- PREP online concerts raised another $4000 for COVID-19 relief efforts
- PREP led the “Braver together” online concert and raised over $2000 for New Hope Foundation
- Over a dozen students participated the face shield projects and donated over 1000 hand made or 3D printed face shields to healthcare facilities and schools
- Many of you participated and led youth projects as part of ACAN
- Most of our students stayed in Austin for the summer. None of us, our families and host families infected with coronavirus
The list goes on. If we are honest, we know that God has done great things and will continue to do great things through us, in this new school year.
When thinking about the priorities for the new school year, I’d like to challenge you to do great things:
- Can you achieve “great” accomplishments in your study and work?
- Can you develop “great” relationship with your host family, your parents and friends?
- Can you make “great” contribution to our community in China or in the US?
- Can you have “great” hope on your future, on your resilience and most importantly, on the mighty God?
Next nine days will be the opportunity for me to answer these questions. I will be challenged physically, emotionally and spiritually but I know that I will be supported by a group of men, just like me, broken, yet hungry for the love and affirmation from our Lord Jesus.
I invited you all to join my journey to do great things in 2020-2021.
With Love & Prayer,
Ed