Sometimes late at night, I lay awake and stare at the ceiling. I ponder the deep questions of life and I think about …
tacos. Yep, tacos. (Specifically, a Torchy’s chicken taco, extra mango, with chipotle sour cream sauce.)
As a native Texan living far from home, I (Loren) am beginning to think “a land flowing with milk and honey” could be contextually translated as “a land flowing with salsa and [good] coffee, a land of large parking spaces and Targets and tacos to go.” (I’m sure my husband, the Bible scholar, would agree in spirit but disagree in principle.)
We, dear friends, are right in the middle of culture shock.
The good news: It’s just a phase, and we know it will pass.
The bad news: We are missing home more than ever.
Would you pray for us?
Here is what Jack has to say about it:
What I thought ministry would like: teaching, preaching, lecturing.
What it usually looks like:
- Tech-ing: fixing computers, setting up wifi, teaching computer skills, solving phone problems
- Friend-ing: building relationships with baristas and grocers in our neighborhood
- Supporting: Sharing my Bible knowledge to support the work of East Mountain as we disciple young people and encourage those preaching in the slums
Instead of giving lots of sermons, I've been blessed by hearing lots of great sermons.
Instead of being a Hebrew Jedi master, I'm learning to write more precisely and study hard.
Instead of leading out front, I'm supporting the work, strategizing from the back, plugging in holes.
God is teaching me that sometimes ministry looks like showing up and loving people. Sometimes the most important people to love are the ones you see everyday.
Our presence — the time we take to cultivate friendships with those who don’t know Jesus — it is powerful in a way that shakes spiritual kingdoms.
But it often doesn’t feel important like giving a sermon does.
I (Loren) am learning the power of being present for the mundane yet sacred moments of motherhood, as I change yet another diaper.
I’m learning how this tiny human opens doors and builds relationships with the local people in unexpected ways.
As we are reminded of these truths, we find ourselves humbled and encouraged. All we must do to be part of God's kingdom work is to be present and available for his Spirit to use us.
Wherever you are today, we pray you find the courage to be present and attentive to God's Spirit ... and possibly stop for a taco on the way home.
We miss you and love you, friends.
Prayer requests:
- Praise God with us! Micah’s colic has passed and her sweet, spunky personality is emerging. We discovered she is allergic to dairy, and if Loren stays on a strict dairy-free diet, Micah sleeps longer and is much calmer. Please pray that Loren would have patience and perseverance as she learns to cook and eat in a new way.
- For the friendships that we are building with non-believers here; that God would give us the opportunity and the courage to speak about him.
- For Jack’s studies: that he would continue to be encouraged as he studies the word of God, and for more opportunities to share his knowledge and bless others.
- For our support. We still lack 25% amount in monthly support, and $6000 for the cost of our car. You can give online here.
