Part of this re-entry thing, coming back to home that had changed and continued moving forward (or the opposite) while still remembering how things used to be. Although change is intriguing and sometimes adventurous to me, I still struggle against it. I’ve seen God’s church congregate in 11 countries over the past year. My eyes were opened to a lot of new and curious things. I’ve had a unique chance to step outside the American borders and then jump back in. So what about coming back to the Church in America? What is that really like?
In Dallas, I reunited with a school friend and supporter, Ryan B., when I joined him at his church 2 weeks ago. I don’t really know the why of it, but I was nervous! I was nervous about my reaction: would I be judgmental? Would I be harsh? Would I feel connected? Would I feel like an outsider? Would I be critical? I think I was nervous too, because those were ways I was already feeling to some degree. But I longed to be among great fellowship, joined with the body in prayer and worship through singing and praise. Not to sound too dramatic or anything, but I craved it like my body craved oxygen. I’m apart from my World Race family, and I need to know I belong somewhere. But where?
I squad finished the World Race strong!!
We celebrated the Pentecost, which I consider probably the most mystifying event in the church today. AFTER Jesus was brutalized, crucified, buried and rose from the dead…those who believed the truth about who He was congregated. When Jesus reappeared in the flesh, he told them to stay and wait for a gift that was promised long ago. Jesus left…and they had to trust and believe in His word. During the Feast of Weeks, God’s promised gift of the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, was imparted and manifested through tongues of fire on each person. Pentecost. The book of Acts goes on to tell of the beginnings of the Church we are a part of today. My heart is getting giddy because I just want to stop writing and read the whole book…it gives me chills! J
To celebrate the Pentecost, the worship band sang a song of praise while at least seven people from different nationalities and ethnicities stood on the stage. During the song, one by one, each read a passage from Acts chapter 2 in their native tongue. When they all spoke simultaneously, something powerful came over me. In the middle of a mass of strangers, and yet in the middle of my beloved Christian family, I wept. I was witnessing a glimpse of the Church as God loves it. His people, each made with perfect love and care, came together to give praise to the One who brought us all together and made us new in Christ. I no longer felt alone. I am not an outsider as I started to believe.
Right there, in the midst of His beloved bride, the Church, I am where I belong and always long to be.
Any future adventure through travel around the world is unknown to me at this point. My adventure through reuniting and meeting more in the Church and inviting others to join me continues…
…and I invite you to not just follow along, but to share your own accounts.
-Issa
