Mike’s Sea2sea Blog

Before Jesus (as the 24-7 Prayer people say) “wrecked my life”, I longed for real community and couldn’t find it.

And now I’m sitting in an airport with a friend and colleague, reflecting on 4 days with an incredible group of  C&MA international workers, all home for about a year or so of ministry in Alliance churches in whatever part of Canada they are from.

I could, (and will later), write about all kinds of interesting  conversations: about new kinds of internships young people and university grads can be involved in (Guinea, Africa; Mexico City; or Papua in Southeast Asia), or more about Lois Belsey (see last blog), or about  the vision and passion of Jim Foster, as he finished out a very long stretch of meetings with his leadership team still clearly painting a picture of what WE are hoping to accomplish to glorify God. And that only scratches the surface.

What stands out most to me is relationships. At this meeting, my former Youth Pastor, Warren Reeve, and his wife were there, working with me and encouraging me. The international worker who God used to show me his great love for Mexico City – Paul Ens – was there, and we got to enjoy a late night meal. Gerald and Dorothy Hogenbirk, who first received me 17 years ago in their house in Yamassoukro, Cote D’Ivoire, are now shoulder to shoulder with me in church ministry, including time spent with young adults and students. Former professors from my Bible College days were there, colleagues now in ministry. And my co-workers continue to be inspiring people:  fellow DMC’s, Ric and Ruth Ann Gilbertson from Converge, our GM support team…..on and on, so many that share the greater passion of God’s redeeming plan for the world, and through Christ become like brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts.

Paul Ens (Mex. City) and Harold Priebe (frmr Regional Director for Sun, now DMC in BC)

When I gave in to Jesus as a teen years ago,  it was in large part because of the witness of my grandfather. He was pouring out his life, telling me stories as he grieved the passing of my grandma (far too early). It was a whole series of conversations, but as he talked about the people he worked with at our seminary and college, preparing the next generation of leaders…..well, it sounded too good to be true. He said, “You know, Michael, I could go anywhere in the world…..and there would somebody who could take me in.”

Little did I know this was an understatement.