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COLLECTIONS
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What's your Priority?
On October 4, 1927 John Sung boarded a ship headed for Shanghai. He had studied in the United States for seven and a half years. In the space of just five years his brilliance at chemistry had earned him the degrees of Bachelor, Master and Doctor. Every academic opportunity in China lay at his feet. But John Sung had higher priorities.
The Lord had placed a stronger call on his life. John Sung was determined to go home and preach to his countrymen. He realised that what China needed most was not more science teachers, but preachers of the gospel.
One day as the ship neared its destination, he gathered up all his diplomas, medals and fraternity keys and threw them overboard into the ocean. The only exception was his doctor's diploma, which he kept only for the benefit of his father. Like Paul, John Sung could say, "I consider everything a loss compared with the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Philippians 3: 8).
It may seem strange to think about returning home when you have only just arrived in the UK! But it is wise. Right now, a wealth of once-in-a lifetime opportunities is before you. The expectations placed on you by your family may be very high. Will you achieve good results? Will you get a First Class degree?
Of course it is right to work hard. But remember that it is God who has given you your abilities and opportunities. And just as He has brought you to study here in the UK, His priority for your time here is far more than just academic achievement! The Lord's plan in bringing you here is far more exciting than the laboratory or the lecture hall - far more urgent and important.
God's priority for our lives is that we know Jesus Christ and become more like Him. And your time in the UK is a wonderful God-given opportunity to do just that. Each day as a Christian should be an adventure with Jesus Christ, as we're caught up into His plan for this world. But the beginnings are humble.
From week one spend time each morning with the Lord in Bible reading and prayer. Meet with Christian brothers and sisters, not just from your home country but from your host country. Find a church that will teach you the gospel.
Make it a priority to get to know Jesus Christ better while you're here in the UK. Then, like John Sung, when you return home you will be taking with you the greatest of all achievements, the purpose for which you were made: knowing Christ Jesus more!
Stephen Nichols
International Student Worker
All Souls Church, Langham Place, London.
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Copyright � 2002 Overseas Christian Fellowship (OCF) Bristol.
All rights reserved.
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