Back in the fall of 2010, Wendy and I were deep in the throes of making the gut-wrenching decision on whether to continue living in Spain or move back to the United States. At that point, we had been living for almost three years in Spain. While the transition into the Spanish culture was extremely difficult, especially early on, we had grown to love our Spanish and North African/Middle Eastern friends and had even adapted enough to the culture that we were also beginning to feel rather Spanish ourselves. And so when both Wendy and I began to sense God calling us to move back to the States, we had a hard time understanding why, especially in light of the fact that we had no jobs lined up, no five-year plan for the future, and no idea where or how we were to plug in once we returned--only that we were to come back to the States. It felt on many fronts like the return was as much of a step of faith for our family as it was to actually go to Spain several years before.
That transition was tough. We had read that for many, the transition
back to one's home country is more difficult than moving into a new
culture. I'm not sure if I completely agree with that premise, but I can say that our re-entry has been quite complex and continues to have its share of complications. However, God brings changes into our lives because he is not content to leave us as we are. He desires to shape us
into his image, move us past our comfort zones, and refine us more and
more into his image.
James says to "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:2-4, The Message)
Peter says that "Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want." (1 Peter 4:1-2, The Message)
While hardly a day goes by that we don't miss some aspect of our life in Spain, I am extremely grateful for God's leading and direction in our lives. I feel so honored and blessed that in the middle of our transition back from Spain I have the opportunity to lead the SEND Ministries Department.
There are few things that give me more excitement than to see people on fire for Jesus and growing in their love for him and for those around them--especially for the lost. The ministries of SEND have given much opportunity for these things to happen in the lives of youth, helping them begin to understand what really is important in life. I love the emphasis not only on discipling others, but also on being discipled and being transformed more and more into the image of Jesus Christ.
While I love to see youth called to go to the ends of the earth to introduce people to Jesus, I also love to see them with a passion to reach out to the lost and the poor in their home communities as well. I hope to see this generation rise up with a selfless faith to take the Great Commission seriously and to give everything they have for the kingdom of Christ.
James says to "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:2-4, The Message)
Peter says that "Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want." (1 Peter 4:1-2, The Message)
While hardly a day goes by that we don't miss some aspect of our life in Spain, I am extremely grateful for God's leading and direction in our lives. I feel so honored and blessed that in the middle of our transition back from Spain I have the opportunity to lead the SEND Ministries Department.
There are few things that give me more excitement than to see people on fire for Jesus and growing in their love for him and for those around them--especially for the lost. The ministries of SEND have given much opportunity for these things to happen in the lives of youth, helping them begin to understand what really is important in life. I love the emphasis not only on discipling others, but also on being discipled and being transformed more and more into the image of Jesus Christ.
While I love to see youth called to go to the ends of the earth to introduce people to Jesus, I also love to see them with a passion to reach out to the lost and the poor in their home communities as well. I hope to see this generation rise up with a selfless faith to take the Great Commission seriously and to give everything they have for the kingdom of Christ.
