When I first joined Crossworld, I was captivated by the vision of moving to live among the least-reached without an agenda of conversion, but simply living alongside people and discovering Jesus together.

But I had no clear idea how to do that.

I spent my first six weeks on the field with an established team in Europe. We ate together, went on adventures together, played ultimate frisbee together, and celebrated holidays together.

In that time, two things happened.

First, we formed deep friendships that I continue to draw on for support. When I’m struggling, I know there are other people I can go to who understand me and know what I’m experiencing on the field.

Second and more importantly, my time there sparked a vision for a different way to be in the world — a way of walking toward Jesus together that allows us to discover him in our midst.

Here’s an example.

I celebrated Advent with the team in Europe, and I remember experiencing Jesus around the table in a simple but real way. We prayed and sang hymns, and then we just enjoyed each other’s company.

When I arrived in my country in West Asia, I wondered if we could do the same thing here.

As Advent approached again, a couple of friends and I invited all our neighbors and unbelieving friends to join us in celebrating.

We shared with our friends around the table that this is our time of longing for Jesus to come and make everything right in the world. We talked about love, hope, joy, and peace. Then we enjoyed each other’s company for hours.

And guess what? The same thing happened. I remember feeling that Jesus was among us in West Asia, just as he had been in Europe.

My time with the team in Europe not only shaped me as I crossed cultures but also as I learned to make disciples in the context of everyday life and everyday relationships.

Crossworld worker Lindsay (a pseudonym) lives and works among refugees in West Asia.