Peter Khaw
sent by Symphony Church to Vietnam.
Peter is living in San Diego with his family and working until he starts physical therapy school in August.
1. When did you go on your 1-year internship?
2018-2019
2. Where do you currently attend church?
Kairos Christian Church
3. How did you decide to devote one year to serving as an intern?
I had always been afraid of going on missions, but during my first semester of college, I felt God calling me to 1 year missions. I didn’t hear a question like “will you go?” or a suggestion like “it would be good to go on missions.” It was a simple declaration, “1 year missions is for you,” that I could only respond to with “Okay God, I guess it is.” Remembering this calling throughout college gave me a lot confidence and peace about my decision to go.
4. During your time as an intern, what roles did you play?
My main role was teaching English classes for children, university students, and adults. I also did worship on Sundays and led Alpha for a semester. Other daily work included cooking for the staff and students, cleaning the ministry center, and washing a lot of dishes!
5. What is one realization or revelation that God showed you about Himself, people, or His kingdom as a result of your internship?
One of the big underlying concerns for people thinking about missions is the idea of sacrificing their lives (careers, friends, comfort etc.) to go and serve God. While there are some sacrifices involved, I think it’s the wrong way to look at going on missions. Going is just jumping on the opportunity to take a walk with God in a totally new place, and see His goodness in different ways! The past year has been filled experiencing His love and joy in adventure, community, and nature. It’s too easy to get caught up in the bubble of stressful but familiar lifestyle of school, work, and friends, and we forget that God is working and pouring out blessings everywhere–we’re just not there to see it. Missions is just a chance to get out and experience it!
6. How has your experience while interning influenced what you are doing now and what you hope to do in the future?
AMI 1-Year solidified my desire to follow God and serve his people no matter what job or position I have. Participating in building up the church in a really different context was stretching at times, but it has been the most satisfying work I have ever done. I got to see God move powerfully in prayer, worship, and healing, and I got to see friends get saved. I had so much peace and assurance that I was where God wanted me to be. In the same way, I want my future career priorities to be centered around God’s direction and purposes, because that’s what is truly satisfying.
7. How would you advise interns to maximize their experience while they are on the field?
If you’re getting worn out, definitely use your sabbaths to get out of whatever ministry stuff you’re doing, and if possible get out of your normal area! I found that just being somewhere else helps to relax and refocus on God and what He’s doing rather than what you’re personally involved in.
Enjoy whatever your 1 year brings! Really, not everyone gets the chance to avoid worldly responsibilities of work and school and just go and live and serve in a different place for a whole year. You’re going to get to see and experience God in a very special way!