Sunday, September 23, 2012

Legacy


Would you be satisfied if your epitaph read:  “Joe was devoted husband, loving father, and excellent professional”?  Respectable yes, but I have to admit this wouldn't be enough for me.  You, Joe, and I were designed to be so much more.

I believe destiny is a unique calling based on ones spiritual gifts, natural talents, acquired skills, and vision to use them to glorify God and serve other people.  It is one’s preordained future that is revealed by God to man over the course of his life.  Most often, ones inner realizable purpose for life is an exercise of deliberate and incremental discovery-learning.  A calling is distinct, a description of WHAT one does. 


When asked to describe themselves, most men answer, “I am a professional X.”  A man’s identity is tied to WHAT they do.  WHAT, however, is much less important than WHO one is or HOW one lives.  WHO we are has more to do with WHOSE we are.  As for me, I am foremost an adopted son of the God of all creation, made so by the sacrifice of His son, Jesus.  Being a husband, father, son, brother, friend, co-worker, neighbor, and American are secondary.  Yet, of lesser importance than WHO, is HOW I live – with honor toward people and professional excellence.  WHAT, then, is of third importance.  WHO, HOW, and WHAT – in that order of precedence.  Destiny is the God-weaving of these parts according to His design.  The whole being greater than the sum of its parts.  The three in concert, in-tune with the Conductor, is the masterpiece of His design. 


What would be enough for me?  “Scott was an instrument, fashioned by and in-tune with God, and a pleasant contributor in His orchestra.”  Given this high goal, excuse me while I go practice…

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Behind the Scenes


Here's a great reminder of why eMi exists from one of the ministries eMi serves in Africa.

"It really is amazing to me that a group like eMi exists – providing high level expertise at their own cost to help African church and mission ministries with critical infrastructure issues.  Ministries like AIC Kijabe Hospital, where we currently serve, and Mukinge Hospital ECZ in Zambia where we previously were based, could never afford the engineering and architectural consultations that a group like eMi provides.   Having that level of high level expertise is one of the key pieces of the puzzle needed for us in the African church as we provide vibrant gospel ministry.  Many thanks to you and all the team who give back the gifts you have been given to provide this incredibly valuable support for the kingdom of Christ around the world!"  
Stephen Letchford, MD FACP FAAP

Medical Director


This is especially meaningful to me as an administrative support member.  In many organizations, including churches and other Christian non profits, administration is often viewed as a necessary evil.  However, I have come to learn by experience that administration is sacred.  It is one of the spiritual gifts that Paul lists in 1 Cor. 12:28.  It is the detailed and behind the scenes work that enables God's kingdom work in our churches locally and to the ends of the earth.  I take great joy in testimonies like these from our ministry partners that we are enabling the spread of the Gospel around the world.  I am also thankful for behind the scenes people who are obedient in their giving.  They may never have the opportunity to go or to be involved in direct ministry but they are faithful through their generosity and their giving bears much fruit.