Why we do… What we do

If you’ve ever seen Veggie Tales, you may remember the old logo screen for Big Idea that showed a small child running and the words, “Why we do… What we do.” Also, if you’ve ever taken yourself out of your comfort zone for an extended period of time you may have asked yourself, “Why in the world did I choose to do this something that is so uncomfortable?”

However for me, coming to Taiwan to teach English for a year didn’t feel like much of a choice, or at least not in the economically introspective sense. Normally in order to choose one opportunity, you must give up another. 

In economics this is called opportunity cost. But sometimes, following Jesus is simpler than evaluating decisions and worrying about missed opportunities. Sometimes, God just tells you to do something and unless you have plans on getting swallowed by a whale, it’s probably best just to do it. Only in my case, it wasn’t a pagan, fish-slapping Nineveh I was being called to, but Taiwan.

Consequently, if you were to ask me the reason I was going to Taiwan for a year I would’ve probably answered with something that sounded nice, but in my mind I really had no idea, except that God told me to—or rather in the way He often works—showed me. I have no doubt that Jesus has led me here for His glory. But why He has done so is a question I would not assume to have the answer to. Perhaps you could relate to asking God “why” feeling much like a taboo. Maybe it’s the idea of one angrily pumping his fists at Heaven and screaming 

"WHY?” But really, is asking “why" a bad question?

"Why does God allow, and sometimes administer, crushing pain that dismantles me?"

"Why did God create me the way I am, often so contrary to what I would have liked?”

"Why must I eat rice and strange vegetables for an entire year?” 

Three Lukachicks are serving on the
Nantou team this year, Andrew, Grace
and David.

I don’t think that questions such as these are inherently unhealthy, but rather should point to One who knows the answers to every question. Often He does give us those answers, or at least glimpses, but perhaps equally as often, it takes time and more importantly, trust. To trust the One that gives us pain takes no small amount of faith. And neither does loving Him whom we have not seen. But faith does not have reasons why, only “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” As I often like to tell myself, “I don’t have a reason, but I have a God.” And as thousands of persecuted saints through the ages will attest to, a God is a much better thing to have than a reason why.

So just as Gandalf wisely told Frodo, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us”, a much more relevant question to ask is "what am I doing while I am here in Taiwan?” Which leads me to the small child running across the Big Idea logo screen. Are these little ones why I do what I do? How about the dozens of Taiwanese I am in contact with on a weekly basis? Truth be told, I find teaching Elementary students an absolute blast! However, getting used to—or xíguàn, as our pastor says—the everything else part is a bit more challenging. How do I tell of the Gospel when I’m still learning the correct way to ask “What is your favorite moon cake flavor?"

But at the end of the day, I know this is where God has me, and all I can do is trust and seek Him more in order to do the impossible: use me for His glory. I trust that He knows what He’s doing, and He will lead me all the way.

~Andrew Lukachick 

20 years old, Andrew Lukachick was born and raised in Louisiana, a fifth-born with 4 brothers and 5 sisters. This is his first year teaching in Taiwan. He enjoys everything playing piano, writing music, surfing, soccer, and reading. Andrew has graduated with degrees in Music and Business.

Teaching in Pingtung

Well folks I’ve only been in Taiwan for a month or so but I already love it so much! The people here are so sweet and welcoming! I’ve had the chance to teach quite a few children at the Nan Jung English village these past weeks and I’ve been loving every minute of it.

Being away from home, especially out of my country can be hard sometimes and isn’t without its challenges but it is definitely worth it! I love being a blessing to the people here in Taiwan! Lord knows how much of a blessing they’ve been to me already.

The Lord is truly at work here in Pingtung and all over Taiwan. What a blessing to be able to serve our wonderful savior in this way.

~Raegan Maghakian 

Raegan Maghakian is a teacher on the Pingtung team. This is her first year in Taiwan. She loves artistic and athletic activities, particularly writing, singing, and playing guitar as well as waveboarding, swimming, running, dancing, and karate.