This is Kingdom…
The redemption of broken lives in all the nations.
Where the unwanted child is loved and the mother knows her worth.
When sufferings are seen as a blessed venue to grow closer to the King, not curse him.
This is Kingdom…
It’s a family in Northern Laos risking everything to see addicted lives freed and redeemed.
It’s a couple in Ireland pouring themselves out for discipleship.
It’s young women in Thailand breaking generational cycles of prostitution.
This is Kingdom…
It sounds like the desperate and joyous shouts of African villagers in worship.
It sounds like vulnerable honesty with your community.
Sometimes it sounds like silence.
This is Kingdom…
Where the sick are not isolated but loved and healed.
Where the prisoner is forgiven and redeemed.
Where Love and justice walk hand in hand and His name is Jesus.
This is Kingdom…
It’s when the disabled are seen and loved deeply.
It’s persistent Love that knows no bounds.
It’s when 41 young men and women realize who they are and respond to the mandate of their King to reveal His Kingdom.
The redemption of broken lives in all the nations.
Where the unwanted child is loved and the mother knows her worth.
When sufferings are seen as a blessed venue to grow closer to the King, not curse him.
This is Kingdom…
It’s a family in Northern Laos risking everything to see addicted lives freed and redeemed.
It’s a couple in Ireland pouring themselves out for discipleship.
It’s young women in Thailand breaking generational cycles of prostitution.
This is Kingdom…
It sounds like the desperate and joyous shouts of African villagers in worship.
It sounds like vulnerable honesty with your community.
Sometimes it sounds like silence.
This is Kingdom…
Where the sick are not isolated but loved and healed.
Where the prisoner is forgiven and redeemed.
Where Love and justice walk hand in hand and His name is Jesus.
This is Kingdom…
It’s when the disabled are seen and loved deeply.
It’s persistent Love that knows no bounds.
It’s when 41 young men and women realize who they are and respond to the mandate of their King to reveal His Kingdom.
11 months. 12 countries. It’s been a long road that has been filled with challenges of many kinds, and victories I could have never imagined. I have grown to love the people of O-Squad. I have been challenged by them, understood by them, and loved by these men and women. We have explored the world, the depths of Gods heart, and our faith together. We have cried with each other, yelled at one another, laughed with each other, and farted in front of one another. I will miss this community, however the wonderful Aly Beeler put it best when she said, “This trip ends soon. This lifestyle doesn’t.” When you find the Pearl of Great Price you sell everything, forsake all else, not just to have it but to share it, spread it around. The Kingdom of God, on earth as it is in Heaven. I want to share a prayer from Philip Yancey that has been a much needed reminder for me over the coarse of this year…
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your hearts.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression & exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, & peace.
May God bless you with tears shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world.
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression & exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, & peace.
May God bless you with tears shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world.
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen
