So I decided to write Abi’s name down here because it was her 13th birthday yesterday, but I will also talk about the whole family and tell you a little of their story. I was able to celebrate her birthday with her, her mom, and two brothers as we went to go and conquer the longest zip line in Asia. It was a fun filled day and a great way to celebrate a birthday.
Abi and her family came here a couple of weeks ago to visit our home and was scheduled for a short trip, then back up to Manilla for a month. However, plans changed when they spent the weekend here and after just a couple of days, the family decided to come back here for the duration of their stay. Due to work back home, Abi’s dad, Eric, had to fly back to the States for a couple of weeks, but will hopefully be joining us again soon. This family (Eric and Missy, Abi, Andrew, and Grant) seems to have fallen in love with Malaybalay, and for me, it’s easy to see why.
This family is from Salt Lake City, and they are Mormon, which is sure to spark some interesting conversations. When I heard they were a Mormon family, I have to admit my ignorance, because I honestly didn’t know what they believed. I’ve heard there is a huge difference in belief systems, but I didn’t know exactly what they were. Instead of doing research, I decided to just spend time with the family and get to know their beliefs that way. What I found out was this group was extremely family focused and has a huge heart for missions and giving. They are a very close family that holds very tightly to their religious beliefs and foundations, and will do anything they can to serve the people around them.
As I see different religions and beliefs around the world, it almost hurts me to see how committed they are and then think back on what American Christianity looks like. I mean, if we’ve really found THE way, THE truth, and THE life, why are we so passive about declaring it and serving our God with passion and obedience? The Mormon church sends out EVERY able bodied man for a two year mission when they are of age, and we can barely manage to send out any men. I’m not saying that everyone needs to do overseas ministry (even though I strongly suggest it), I’m just saying we need to be a little better about living out what we claim to believe, even in our home towns (afterall, Acts 1:8 starts there).
I am by no means advocating the Mormon faith or the LDS movement, or any other faith outside of Biblical Christianity, I just want to continue to call out Christians to BE disciples and MAKE disciples. Sometimes we act like the only people that have a “mission” are those overseas, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. What can you do to look more like Jesus today? That’s your mission. That’s our mission. Let’s seek His face with passion, let’s wake up a church that has been silent far too often, and let’s make known the true God that loves His children and longs for obedience… It’s all about deeper intimacy with the Father, so let’s seek it together…
