Tiphanie Wiley, a 2008 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College and member at Calvary, Chandler, Ariz., traveled to Taichung, Taiwan, last August, to serve as a WELS Kingdom Workers’ volunteer. While in Taiwan, she and fellow volunteer Jenna Graebert are teaching English classes at the church to adults, teens, and children. Here Tiphanie shares some lessons that she is learning.

“Why did you choose to go so far away from your home to Taiwan? Don’t you miss home?”

I cannot count the number of times I’ve been asked this question. Sometimes I thought, “Why am I here?” I’m certain everyone has thought this at one point in their lives. If not, I guarantee the question will arise.

Before I continue, I must address a very important part of my life—my cultural background. I have grown up both on and off the San Carlos Apache reservation. During my life I have been blessed to be influenced by different people, many of which carried the light of Christ in their lives. These people—my grandmother especially—have influenced my life along the years and have given me the desire and motivation to let my light shine—especially with those who walk in darkness.

I return to the original question, why would anyone choose to live in a foreign land? What’s my motivation? There’s an elderly man in one of my classrooms, and he had never heard about the Bible. He’s always full of “why” questions before, after, and during our lessons. His questions are so penetrating at times that I find myself thinking, “Why am I here? I’m not equipped for these kind of questions.” Nevertheless, these questions are welcomed.

One day, after many prayers and a lesson about how God feels when bad things happen, this man said something that I will never forget. Rather than asking me a profound question, he said, “Wow! God is great!” I couldn’t believe it! We only have class once a week, and he’s only been to three classes! No words can explain what joy I felt for him. He was truly walking in darkness without the light that we Christians at times take for granted. 

It’s amazing to share this experience. We are only sowers of seeds. Our work requires patience and time in order to produce fruit. We don’t make the green plants grow. God does! I believe I can now say I know what it feels like to be the person that says, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost coin!”

At times we ask, “Why? Why now? Why me?” We really should be saying, “I’m listening, Jesus. Use me as you wish. Not my will but your will be done.”