“Deeper Life” is more than devotions and retreats.

That is true! While quiet time and retreats are beneficial, “Deeper Life” does not focus solely on the training of “inner” peace. It also emphasizes the “outer” practice of actions. We need to be alone with God, to quietly pray in the backroom. We also need to put our mission into action in the world to spread the gospel.
Rev. Philip Teng had unique insights into “Deeper Life.” He pinpointed nine characteristics that Deeper Life displays: 1. Deeper Life is a supernatural life; 2. Deeper Life is an outreaching Life; 3. Deeper Life is a dedicated life; 4. Deeper Life is a self-neglecting life; 5. Deeper Life is a fuller life; 6. Deeper Life is a healing life; 7. Deeper Life is a vitalizing life; 8. Deeper Life is a fruitful life; 9. Deeper Life is a uniting life. [1]

Every now and then, pastors and brothers and sisters from other churches would tell me their observation that brothers and sisters of NPAC have a unique temperament: humble and devout, attaching much importance to mission. Think about it: A Christ-centered life will naturally value others above oneself. And when life is moved by Christ’s rivers of living water, the believer will be vibrant. He will be able to gather and connect. He will be willing to give. He will always bear fruit.

Praying for missionaries, offering financially to support mission, taking part in short-term mission trips, visiting missionaries, joining service teams and visit teams may look like a host of activities and meetings. At the core, however, we should intentionally look up to the Lord of mission along the way, stay close to the heart of the Heavenly Father, and let ourselves be guided by the Holy spirit and experience the thrill of working with the LORD.

For all of us as individuals, we need to really become the disciples of Jesus, and in His steps spread the Good News. Each brother or sister can be a little missionary (whether in faraway places or close by in the neighborhood), here and now, and under whatever circumstances share about Jesus.

Caring for mission work, learning about mission and serving overseas may seem like fulfilling others. In fact, they also build us up. When I lead short-term mission trips, I invariably designate team times in the morning and in the evening. In early morning before breakfast, the team will have quiet time and meditation together, sing hymns, read the Scriptures, and pray. When members’ body, mind and spirit are awakened, they will pay attention to how, throughout the day’s serving, God abides and walks with them. When the day’s work is over, the team will gather again before bedtime to share their thoughts, feelings and what touches their hearts. With another devotion, Bible reading and prayer, we will review and record every life-transforming moment of the day, and finally respond to God in prayer with a grateful heart.

Team members will often be amazed to find the feast that the LORD has prepared for them. They will see growth and breakthroughs in their spiritual lives. Going on a short-term mission trip and participating in mission enthusiastically is a real venture into Deeper Life. Deeper Life Through Mission is not just for others but also ourselves. It is my earnest hope that through mission, you and I will be able to experience God in deeper and broader ways!

(This is an excerpt from the “Feature Article” of the Mission Journal of this year.)

[1]K. Y. Cheung Teng and Josephine L. Teng, eds., The Deeper Life: An Anthology of Sermons, Studies, and Poems by Philip Teng, (Seoul, East-West Center for MRD, 2020), 386-95.