Year In Review

Like so many others at the end of the year, I am reflecting on what God has been up to in the last 363 days of life.

Here are some reflections I’m processing as we close out 2023 and move into 2024.

How has God worked in my life this past year?

God has taught me how much belonging matters.

In January, I traveled to Southeast Asia with another Our Savior family to visit our church friends, Rachel and Jeff. They’re a huge part of our church family and it was wonderful to share 10 days of prayer, ministry, and strategizing together with their friends.

On the way back home, Beth joined me for my first-ever experience in South Korea. I’ve spent the rest of the year learning how that experience changed me.

Walking the streets of my hometown and experiencing the diversity of reactions about Korean adoption fostered a sense of belonging. While some were interested in my “American experience”, most considered me having a place in Korean culture and society.

Why is that important? Because belonging begins to soothe the pain of the past.

Adoption is not necessarily a widely favorable part of Korean history. For most, it’s a strike of shame. Even the government is attempting to create space for Korean adoptees who forfeited their citizenship to reclaim it. Belonging doesn’t fix anything; but it does provide a balm to an aching wound and a way forward.

How did I see God working in others?

I saw God working with others when young people were prioritized.

Why? Because when young people grow, everybody wins.

This past year, at least 12,810 students received food through Backpacks for Kids. That’s incredible!

Earlier this year, I learned that quite a bit of the food is taken home and is shared with their siblings, and all the other adults in their home.

That’s what I’m talking about when I say that every generation wins when we focus on young people.

I see the same is true with faith formation.

• When youth and adult lead worship together on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings…
• When students and adults serve side-by-side help maintain cars through Faith in Action…
• When over 100 students “do life” with 18 adults through their Youth Life Groups…
• When over 250 kids, youth, and adults come together for a Stellar week of VBS…
• When Mustard Seed Theater brings together over 75 kids, youth, and adults for 8 shows of Cinderell

Every generation wins. We all grow. We all serve. We all connect. We all love God, love people, and live like Jesus, together.

I’m reminded of what I heard on a recent podcast: “Young people are like salt. When they’re included, they make everything taste better.”

Looking forward, what is my hope and prayer for us as a church in 2024?

I’m looking forward to seeing more generations of people join Jesus on his mission, where they live, work, learn, and play.

What has God been up to in your life this year?
Send me an email at [email protected] or share it at oslc.com/tellingthestory. 

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