This phrase was an anthem for my team throughout the summer. On our first Sunday in South Korea, our worship leader sang the Bethel Music song “Goodness of God.” Unknowingly, these lyrics would become a team bonding focal point, a source of encouragement, and a ministry tool. Since our team was comparatively smaller than others, it was so evident that the Lord had strategically given each of us talents and gifts in areas where the others lacked. Luckily for Julia, myself, South Koreans, and Filipinos alike, Makenzie was blessed with such a beautiful voice.
So since we didn’t have access to music for 2 months, Makenzie filled that void. Let me explain further... Afternoons in the Philippines are hot, and for me personally they were the time where most of my spiritual battles took place. I remember vividly laying next to Julia under our mosquito net listening to the constant sound of geckos and roosters. We were exhausted. We went many days prior to that specific day without “siestas,” because the children were always begging to play Pato, Pato, Manok (duck, duck, chicken) and obviously no one can say no to those precious faces. So, while laying on our bed mats, Makenzie sang “Goodness of God” on repeat (because we couldn’t remember or look up lyrics to other songs). I wouldn’t have had it any other way because the Lord met us in our physical and spiritual valleys that afternoon and many other similar July afternoons.
By the end of the summer, we were able to teach our South Korean and Filipino teammates the lyrics as well. Then our Filipino translators began teaching/sharing this song with our church children, high school students, and other people living in our island village.
After almost two months back in the States, it is so easy to look back and see the Lord’s hand, faithfulness, and goodness in every small detail. This song continues to remind me of my experiences in Southeast Asia, my teammates who became some of my very best friends, and the work that still needs to be done in SE Asia. I deeply long to be back on my bed mat singing this song or playing Pato, Pato, Manok with the barangay children. However, I understand that the Lord has each of us placed in strategically different regions around the globe for our specific purpose in fulfilling His kingdom ministry. So, in this transition phase I am encouraged by the bond created over lyrics to a song, but more importantly I am encouraged by the eternal impact that one summer, one team, one song, and one God will have on people in South Korea, the Philippines, the USA, and all over the globe in the coming months and years.
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never failed me
All my days, I've been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
And in darkest night You are close like no other
I've known You as a Father
I've known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God, yeah!
-Camden Studstill
Multinational Advance 2019, South Korea & Philippines
After almost two months back in the States, it is so easy to look back and see the Lord’s hand, faithfulness, and goodness in every small detail. This song continues to remind me of my experiences in Southeast Asia, my teammates who became some of my very best friends, and the work that still needs to be done in SE Asia. I deeply long to be back on my bed mat singing this song or playing Pato, Pato, Manok with the barangay children. However, I understand that the Lord has each of us placed in strategically different regions around the globe for our specific purpose in fulfilling His kingdom ministry. So, in this transition phase I am encouraged by the bond created over lyrics to a song, but more importantly I am encouraged by the eternal impact that one summer, one team, one song, and one God will have on people in South Korea, the Philippines, the USA, and all over the globe in the coming months and years.
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| Team with their Philippine church family |
For Your mercy never failed me
All my days, I've been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
And in darkest night You are close like no other
I've known You as a Father
I've known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God, yeah!
-Camden Studstill
Multinational Advance 2019, South Korea & Philippines