For some of us there are things in our lives, which we know we are called to do. Sometimes we pursue them and other times we run from them. I started developing a heart for those in need about the same time that Christ accepted me in to his kingdom. I knew then and even express to others that I felt called to international missions at some point in my life. Something in the core of my soul, my guess is the Holy Spirit, continually reminded me of the billions around the world who have not heard the Gospel or the salvation found in Christ. During high school and college I was not able to travel internationally, however, the urge led me to volunteer at local non-profits and participate in missions and youth trips within the U.S. The faces and experiences accumulated over the years and only reinforced my heart calling to the international field.
The desire continued to build and the calling didn’t fade but there was another desire within me that began to compete. The one that our western world so champions, the one that says you must graduate college and find an admirable job and a spouse, build a 401k and have kids. This desire in itself is not a bad thing and when accomplished in the context of the Gospel can be a powerful generational tool, which God can bless. I have witnessed the blessing of this narrative first hand with the Long family, who I met in Cincinnati as a part of a Christian based community plant. Prior to meeting this family, I willingly chose an individualistic narrative, which in many ways lacked the Gospel and quite frankly was heading in the opposite direction of my goal of getting to the missions field. I wanted to build my own legacy by myself and so my desire to help others took a backseat due to time constraints and selfishness. I went about like this and consider myself successful by worldly terms and well on my way to obtaining the idyllic western life. That changed in 2005 when God spoke truth into my life through the Holy Spirit and the Long family and helped his son refocus on his kingdom. I came to learn that its Christ not self, humility not greed.
Even though I cognitively understood the truth of the Gospel, practicing it on a daily basis was another story and that is where the Long family perseveres. The family consists of Gavin, one of my best friends and mentor. He is by far the godliest man I know personally and is committed to fostering Christian community and culture. Then there is Emily, his wife, who has the most enduring commitment to her husband and children and hands down is the most passionate person when it comes to her beliefs. There is Jenny, who is Emily’s sister and a former WR ‘07, she is a great friend and always a joy to be around. I can’t leave out Marno who is Emily and Jenny’s mother. She always amazes me with her giving heart and warm nature. The children consist of Raegan, who is 6, eerily intelligent and gifted at many things including dance. Reece, who is 4 and possesses one of the kindest hearts, pretty sure she would have been the kid that Jesus pulled over in Matthew 18 when talking about the greatest in the kingdom. Lastly, there is Eliot, the baby, who I adore and is strong-willed just like myself. They have taken me into their home for the last three years and have made me a member.
This family has taught me what it means to humble myself and serve others. They constantly host guests, sacrifice family resources and minister to friends, family and those they come in contact with. The home atmosphere that we have built is one of prayer and spiritual accountability. The result has been the encouragement and expression of our individual gifts while maintaining the unity of the spirit. They have taught and led by example that I have nothing to fear about being selfless and have even commissioned me as an extension of their own family to go and serve in the missions’ field. As a family they have helped me to navigate my exit from investment banking which in many ways was a vice because of its financial security, pass on attending culinary school and ultimately provided the impetus to apply for the World Race. If God only brought the Long’s into my life to get me to the field then I am thankful and His will has been done but I suspect he has even greater plans in store for the relationship that has been forged. I go not as one or as an individual into the field but as a member woven into the body of Christ with the support of a family.
