We are reading a book called the Forgotten Ways right now for class. It is a good reminder to that which we as Christians, and our churches, are called to. We are called to be different. We are called to be counter-cultural. We are called to be not of this world. And we are called to follow a sovereign God and Lord, in whatever He calls us to do.
I continue to struggle with understanding exactly why these missions doors keep opening. Some days I figure the door will shut, and we will go back to life in Fresno, with a comfortable income that I can generate myself, with a house that will always need improvement, to a stability that is predictable, to a life I have some control over, and to a place that often, in the past, I could operate apart from my God. But it is looking more and more like that is not what is going to happen. It is looking more and more like God will use the Ens family in a foreign country, in a place that is likely not like Fresno, and that the road to get there will be a bit unstable.
So what have we been called to? We, me, Melissa, Mikaela, Toby, and Timothy, have been called to a rich relationship with the God of the universe. With a Lord who is the Salvation of this world and its people. To an opportunity to serve in His Kingdom, to share of this great gift we have received, and to encourage the Global Church in their walk and growth. I don't fully understand what role we will play in all of this, but we are excited about what is in store. A few weeks ago, we had a glimpse of the legacy, of the rich heritage we are following in here. At an alumni event, John and Jan Goertz and Bob and Erika Sukkou, retired MBMSI missionaries, prayed over us as the "torch" was passed. The Goertz's were missionaries in Panama when I was growing up, and it was a privilege to be prayed for by them.
Ok, so as I write, I am getting excited again about this future we get to be a part of! Wow! In a culture we love, in a language we already speak, and doing it all as a family team! Melissa and I are still learning to work together in this, but we are realizing we complement each other in many ways. The other night, after a presentation on what we were doing, an older lady complemented us on how we presented together. I have always wanted to work alongside my wife - now I get to!
Yesterday, my devotions were in Ephesians 2. Verse 19 and on say this:
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
How exciting to be a part of a global Church, which is rising and being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives! To this we have been called!
Take care, and Merry Christmas!
Lowell
