CATHERINE SHUBAT
sent by symphony church to east asia.
Cate is from San Diego, and studied English & Linguistics at Boston University. After graduating in 2016, she spent 2 years in East Asia teaching English, and will be joining the Symphony team in Taipei soon. She loves studying languages, running, and rapping!
1. When did you go on your 1-yr internship?
2016-2017
2. Where do you currently attend church?
Kairos Christian Church & Symphony Church
3. How did you decide to devote one year to serving as an intern?
From high school all the way through college, I was preparing to go to South Korea. I’d taken language classes, applied to jobs, told friends and family to come meet me in Seoul–but when (I thought) my prayers to get me to Korea left doors closed and prayers unanswered, God opened an unexpected door for me to go on one-year. At the same time, a last-minute opportunity to go to Korea arose, but I felt God asking me, “do you want to do what you want to do, or will you follow me?” Everything to go to Korea was set, and everything about one-year was uncertain, but I’m so glad I walked through that open door! After making the decision to go on one-year, everything went so much more smoothly, compared to when I was trying to force my own way. Amen to Jeremiah 29:11!
4. During your time as an intern, what roles did you play?
My role changed throughout the year, but my main responsibilities were leading our English Corner outreach, and opening the door to our apartment service on Sundays. Through English Corner, I prepared, directed, and taught weekly lessons. Still, directing cultural discussions to relate to Jesus was my favorite parts of English Corner. I couldn’t speak much of the local language when I arrived; though I initially felt limited because of language, serving in small ways helped build relationships with our Family at the center. As our language strengthened, so did our conversations and trust!
5. What is one realization or revelation that God showed you about Himself, people, and/or His kingdom as a result of your internship?
I’m still surprised at how stubbornly independent I can be; throughout one-year, God softened my heart and helped me embrace community. There’s some funny stories (taking cold showers for 6 mos. because I was too embarrassed to ask for help), but more meaningful ones (leaning heavily on my team for support when I was going through an exhausting time at work). I’d encountered the verse, “when I am weak, then I am strong” before, but it took on new meaning as I realized I’m not an independent limb out on my own, much rather a part of a living body, a family! Claiming joy through rough seasons is hard, and sometimes feels fake, but I can testify to the power of speaking joy into seasons of trial. Not independent joy, but the joy that comes from His presence.
6. How has your experience while interning influenced what you are doing now and what you hope to do in the future?
I swore I’d never be a teacher; I now love teaching. I thought learning the local language was impossible; I’m now looking for opportunities in translation. I was dead-set on going to Korea; I learned it’s less about where we are, and more about how we join the family around us. We (I) may resist the word “surrender,” but there is sweetness in surrendering our best plans to our Father, who has higher hopes for us. Whatever I held tight to my heart, God has flipped on its head–I’m can see how He’s broken me gently through the process, but it can still hurt. I’m looking for ways to serve long-term in Asia, probably working as an English teacher/translator. I have a heart for justice, Korea (& NK!); even if I don’t have it all together, I’m excited to see how He’ll make a way for me. I don’t need to force my way, but just wait on His hand.
7. How would you advise interns to maximize their experience while they are on the field?
Stay open–it’ll come up in a variety of ways throughout your one-year, but you have to stay actively open to how the Spirit will move through you. It’ll be the friend you didn’t want to make asking to hang out–a year later, he’ll accept Jesus. It’ll be watching the kids for a couple of hours when you’re dead tired, but their energy infuses you with joy. It’ll be Holy Spirit telling you to turn left instead of turning right, and you’ll have the opportunity to minister to a stranger. Commit your one-year to Holy Spirit working in you, and you’ll have a lot less work to do.