Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a PASSPORT staffer? We asked PASSPORTchoices Bible Study Leader Samuel Lian to give you the inside scoop on what working PASSPORT is really like.
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I’m from Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar (Burma). I lived in Malaysia for almost 2 years before coming to the States in February of 2009. I now live in Richmond, Virginia.
Why did you choose to work for PASSPORTchoices this summer?
I chose to work for PASSPORTchoices this summer because it offers a place where campers can choose what they are interested in which allows them to experience Christ in a different way. The choices allow us to our calling and realize there are many ways we can do “missions.” My favorite was the diversity of the choice options offered.
What curriculum did you teach? What was your favorite part?
I taught World Play— the first time PASSPORT offered it as one of the choices. My favorite part was teaching the campers about the brief history, cultural lessons, social justice, and popular playground games of four different countries: Uganda, Japan, Nicaragua, and India. I had a chance to discuss humanity with campers. Campers acknowledged the need to be thankful for what they have instead of taking things for granted. The greatest was when campers asked me to pray for them to always be grateful for what they have and to not take things for granted post-camp.
How did you experience Jesus this summer?
I experienced Jesus this summer through campers, staffers, community and unity that we built together. Each day, I experienced Jesus differently through every little thing—just by talking with campers and chaperones or eating with the whole community. It’s difficult to explain, but each experience gave me peace and joy.
What were your most meaningful experiences this summer?
First of all, working with all the staffers for one goal even though we all have our own unique gifts. Living and building a strong community with people who are way different than me and yet, I was welcomed in every way. Above all, it was the most wonderful experience. I thank God, campers and PASSPORT for the opportunity.
What did you learn about yourself by being on staff?
I learned that I’m a team-player and I’m more patient than before. I really enjoyed building a strong and beautiful community with Christ as the foundation and trust everything will be in place as long as we put down our burdens in God’s hands. I’ve also learned that I’m capable of making other staffers laugh as well as the campers. I finally learned how to be organized. I realized I can impact others more than I thought because God is with me.
What was the most unexpected part of the summer?
The most unexpected part of the summer was: the unity of the team, the lives that were changed, and learning what it really means to love my neighbors. Loving neighbors really opened up my eyes and helped me become more extroverted.
Side note: I was surprised to be on staff with Olivia, whom I met five years previously at PASSPORTmissions camp when I attended for the first time and was welcomed by my American peers for the first time.
How did you grow in your relationship with Jesus this summer?
I understand and acknowledge more now what it means to be a follower of Jesus. I believe and trust that He is the provider, healer, comforter, teacher, peacemaker, light, truth, way, life and most importantly, my savior the Son of God.
What would you say to someone considering working PASSPORT this summer?
I would say:
- You will be amazed by the experiences you have will.
- You will build a strong and beautiful community.
- You will realize there are great things you can do if you just expand your comfort zone.
- You will see Christ in the little things.
- You will learn to truly love and be loved.
- You will be led in a way that you never expected, but it will be a good one.
- You will learn what exhaustion means and yet, you will hardly notice it because you will be filled with excitement, joy, and peace.
- You will learn what it means to be a follower of Christ.
- You will definitely learn to be more patient.
- You will learn what it means to be a leader.
- You will be changed for the better.
- You will build life long friendships.
- You will learn what it means to have Christ as the center of your life!
- You will get the most wonderful experience that money can’t buy.
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Interested in being a PASSPORT staffer this summer?