“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1: 7 – 10
A few of you may remember what you were doing in 2013. This was the year that Au and Eunice celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary and the year that Eunice turned 50. It was also the year that we made our first “short-term missions trip”, although depending on your interpretation we’ve been intercultural and international Jesus-follower-travellers for all 25 years of our marriage.
It was then that we first got a glimmer of an idea of how God could unite all things in Him – combining two different, but aligned, kingdom purposes together. What if God might provide a way for us to be part of His kingdom work through both the Institute for Cultural Communicators AND OMF? Would we be asking too much if God might use us both places?
Around 2016, as we formalized the application process with OMF, Eunice was reminded that I needed to be very clear on defining my relationship with both organizations. After all,
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Ephesians 6:24 (ESV)
But that verse really applies to our allegiance to our master. And in neither case was an organization asking us to call them master.
“And don’t be called ‘Master,’ for only one is your master, even the Messiah.”
Matthew 23:10 (Living Bible)
Eunice began praying earnestly for God to provide a way for her to serve BOTH organizations as part of her kingdom-witness, being faithful to advance both missions:
- To help ordinary students become extraordinary leaders
- As advocates for every people group in East Asia, we encourage, enable, and equip the body of Christ to serve God’s purposes among them. (OMF – US)
- We share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God (OMF – International)
Would it be possible? I didn’t really know. I began praying to this end! This weekend, God did something new and precious.
He provided the opportunity for Au and me to lead a Zoom session on cultural intelligence with the future ambassadors of ICC. During that session we were able to integrate, in one cohesive, beautiful whole, an approach that embraces cultural humility as a foundation for proclaiming the love of Christ.
This weekend, God gave us a glimpse into this glorious mystery of how He is uniting all things in Him.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1: 7 – 10
We thank God for the ways He reveals the mystery of His will.
How are you seeing His will revealed?
To learn more about these organizations:
What exciting news updates!! I am so thrilled with all that the Lord is opening up for the two of you! We’ve always recognized that each of you has many talents and gifts but it seems like there is such a convergence going on in your lives now. Your learners’ hearts and quick minds are leading you into more and more productivity and joy for the Kingdom of God. We rejoice with you in all that is happening and look forward to all that God will be leading you into in the future and all the lives you will influence!
Blessings, dear ones!