For more than 10 years, Lara has worked in a multi-missional venture in northern Asia.
There she attends to office matters, from IT-related issues to making cups of tea, with an assured confidence and inner joy that bubbles out in jokes or amusing stories.
But there is more to Lara’s life than the confines of her office world.
She was the first believer in her family, possibly her village. Though there were a few Christians in her locale, most were Buddhist or Shamans. So her upbringing was one of strict obedience to the deities and avoiding anything that adhered to Christian ways.
In a domain under repressive government and harsh climate conditions, the rural dwellers turned to the spirits who ruled the rivers and mountains for protection and prosperity. Whenever passing over the crest of the mountain, they would acknowledge the mountain spirit and seek its favour – otherwise they would stir the ire of the gods and bring disaster on the village.
“She continually found strength in her Lord and the Christian community.”
But during her schooling, one of Lara’s classmates spoke of Christmas and Easter, and her curiosity was piqued. She began secretly attending a church gathering and seeking to know more. She knew that if her family found out about it, she would be stopped.
When her parents did discover her leaning towards this “superstition,” they forbade her to go back to the church. But she found ways to get there and soon confessed faith in Jesus.
Lara moved to the city for tertiary education, where she had the opportunity to immerse herself in Christian teaching and fellowship. Her spirit was hungry and she grew in faith.
Of course, her family discovered what was happening and were very displeased. Her father came to the city and met with the church pastor to try and deter them. But instead, it led to a dramatic turn-around in his own life and he began to follow Jesus. Returning to his village, he shared the joy of his new faith and others from his family and community also began to trust in Jesus.
Things did not always go smoothly for Lara, following Jesus among people who held to other deities. Yet she continually found strength in her Lord and the Christian community as she served in various ministries and developed many skills.
She would need the Lord’s strength in what was to come.
“Some saw the potential she had to represent Jesus in an environment that few could enter.”
Lara deeply respected her father and found in him an emotional support. Like her countrymen, she valued the role of family and her part in it as a responsible member. She was proud of his athletic achievements in archery and running.
But, too soon, illness came and drained his life. When her father passed away, she devoted herself to a new challenge: running. She wanted to run to honour her father and his achievements.
And like her father, Lara could run. Each day after work, she would don her joggers and run 10 kilometres. Her commitment to this discipline soon turned to bigger challenges. She joined competitions and worked her way up to become part of an elite running team.
“She knew she could not compromise her allegiance to Jesus.”
Not all her Christian friends could understand her passion for running. Some would wonder, “Was it distracting her from what was really important?” However, others saw the potential she had as a runner to represent Jesus in an environment that few could enter.
Yet here she faced more challenges. Before races, the members of the running team performed Buddhist rites. Lara faced taunts and mocking for not participating, and the pressure to conform was very strong. But she abstained; she knew she could not compromise her allegiance to Jesus.
Moreover Lara found joy in serving her teammates. She respected them and found a variety of ways to show them honour, as most were senior to her in age. She was always ready with a bright and cheery manner to hand around the sweets and biscuits she brought along for them.
Her teammates could not deny that Lara was a competent runner and that there was something special about her. God has gifted her with strength and speed – even more, with a gracious heart that enables her to put herself last and consider the needs of her team.
Lara’s gain is not in medals, but in using her talents to serve the Lord she loves and receiving the greater reward in heaven.
Christy is an Interserve Partner in Asia.
Names have been changed for security purposes.
