Every once in awhile, my lovely wife and I will bust out our Lord of the Rings special-edition DVDs (no, not Blu-Ray. We’re old-school like that) and immerse ourselves in the epic world of Middle Earth.
Funny timing, then, that we recently finished a viewing right before a set of events unfolded that would remind me that—as much as I’d like to be Aragorn or Gandalf—I’m more like one of the Shire-folk. But there is great honor in learning to fulfill our small part of God’s Kingdom work: after all, some of the greatest Kingdom work is accomplished through the unnoticed and overlooked.
As Galadriel tells Frodo in the midst of his fear:
Even the smallest person can change the course of the future
I am truly thankful for the leadership, tenacity, truth-telling, and grace of leaders (many of whom I’m blessed to call friends) such as Kathy Khang, Helen Lee, Ken Fong, Sam Tsang, Nikki Toyama-Szeto, Bruce Reyes-Chow, David Park, and many, many others.
Jesus is recreating a people for Himself from those who are near and far away, from every tribe, nation, culture, ethnicity, and language.
This is our story to tell the world:
A better story of hope, redemption, life, salvation, justice, beauty, and truth in a diverse church that reflects the creativity and joy of Christ.
Recent events have reminded us how far we have to go in that journey, but that there is always hope.
I invite you to join with pastors, doctors, professors, artists, students, missionaries, attorneys, editors, accountants, counselors, moms, dads, and friends and raise your voice and sign this open letter to the church, to commit yourself to racial reconciliation, understanding, and forming a more credible witness to a broken world around us.
As I mentioned, I have felt quite Hobbit-ish in the midst of all these heavyweights. Most days, all I want to do is be the best husband and dad I can be, provide for my family, and live into our calling here in our little corner of the world in San Diego. My role in this story has been quite small, but I know that it is important not to give up—to lift my voice for my family, our church community, for Asian Americans, and for all people so that the world will know how great a Redeemer Jesus is.
I am incredibly thankful for my lovely wife—a profoundly gifted pastor, church leader, wife, mom, and reflection of the humble love of Jesus to the world. In many ways, it was her voice that became a sort of holy tipping point for one particular conversation with our friends from Exponential. As she shared her story, the doors of empathy and understanding opened.
It is no mistake, I think, that God used her voice to speak powerfully to a group consisting mostly of men. Like my friend Eugene, I also support women in all levels of church leadership. I believe this is the faithful reading of Scripture and, from my experience, the story the church needs to share with the broken world around us: God is unleashing His dreams through all of His daughters & sons, just as He promised so long ago.
As this conversation moves forward, I look forward to the unique leadership of brave, godly, and strong women (as well as the voices of my brothers in Christ).
Friends, your voice matters.
If you need to be reminded, I encourage you to read Connie Zhou’s story. Perhaps some of you will see yourself reflected back. Or, even if you are coming from a different place altogether, you will benefit from hearing her voice.
As the Church, may we plant and cultivate communities who are radically committed to loving our actual neighbors with the transforming love of Jesus.
I love the Lord of the Rings references. You know what I am thinking…so grateful for you and Jeya and your courage!!
Kathy – Thanks for your leadership in all of this! It’s been crazy (and probably will continue to be), so I’m thankful for your voice of truth & grace.
Oh man, I wish I could find a way to share your amazing LOTR quote! I will never hear Gandalf the same way again!! :)
I texted Pastor Jeya a week ago after seeing your name after seeing you guys name regarding Asian American Evangelicals (I was soo proud you guys as my pastors! :D).
This sure was a delightful post to read… because I share the similar visions and dreams for the Kingdom. United is so blessed to have you guys in San Diego… You guys make a wonderful team and Pastor Jeya is surely wonderfully gifted woman (: She once told me that she tells Deleine that to pray to meet a husband like you.. and told me to do the same. haha It’s always so wonderful to see such a supportive marriage like you guys’.
miss y’all!
Hi Linda! It’s good to hear from you! Yes, PJ mentioned that you messaged her. Thanks so much for the very kind words. I am truly a blessed husband, dad, and pastor!!
Keep pursuing the dreams God has put in your heart, as they point back to Jesus and lead others to redemption & healing. And, by the way, I hope you and D meet husbands who are *way* better than me!!!
Just saw this! Thanks for the shout-out and also for your and Jeya’s time and truth-speaking, because without your presence and voices at that post-Exponential meeting, who knows how it would have all turned out?? Grateful to be in partnership with you both for the sake of the gospel and the church!
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