Connecting and Sharing

As Director of Student Development, JW Tabacchi’s day-to-day world revolves around giving direction and guidance to students at Point Park University.

Recently, JW stepped outside his comfort zone and traveled to Vientiane, Laos, as part of a short-term missions outreach team. Even though this was not the first time JW has experienced being in an overseas culture, it was his first time to be in Asia.

While in Laos, JW had the opportunity to minister to university students in a culture very different from his own. He was able to share and speak with students at Quest College in Vientiane as part of a speaker series.

One particular student JW came in contact with at the college was a monk. As JW says, “It was an awesome opportunity to connect and share Jesus with someone whom I most likely would not get the opportunity to interface with here in the States.”

“I loved going to a new place and culture where I had to depend on God to guide me. One challenge I had while speaking with a translator to a group of students, was learning creative ways to quickly think on my feet as I spoke. Several times in the midst of speaking, I found it necessary to slow my speech, and even find an alternate vocabulary word. This assisted in not only having the message translated into a new language, but it also framed it in a manner that college students could relate to.”

The team also had the opportunity do some prayer walking, and meet with the Laotian hosts. This was a highpoint for JW as he got some insight into the customs of the country. “The food was amazing. One of my first in-country meals was cooked over the coals. The sharing of the meal was done in true Laotian style – communally where everyone shares everything together. I loved the experience! It made me realize how much we generally don’t build community through the meals we eat here in the States.”

For JW, participating on a short-term missions outreach was the perfect way to combine his passion for seeing other cultures with serving God. “I like to know that I am giving back and helping others, as I get to see new parts of the world.”