On Sunday I was commissioned for ministry in Argentina by my home church, Grace Community Church of Seal Beach. It was a very special and meaningful send off in prayer by Pastor Don and laying on of hands by our Elders and Mission Commission. I shared that these past two years feel like the “long goodbye,” as the church family has prayed and journeyed alongside me! Grace is the church I grew up in and served on staff for twelve years. So, really this is now just the next season of lifelong relationships. I am grateful for the foundation of care, support, and prayers as I leave in just one month!
I wrote up my first “missionary bio” for the church highlighting some of the key moments in my journey and the communities that have played a part! My commissioning seems like a good time to share it here.
Growing up at Grace and in a family that loved and served Jesus, David made a decision at a young age to follow Him. Today he continues the process of knowing and following Jesus more fully. His burden for the poor began to take root when the youth group regularly visited El Sauzal Orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico. While attending Biola University, David sought ways to serve the poor locally. He served among Cambodian refugee families with InnerCHANGE in Long Beach, developing a relationship with one family that deeply impacted his desire to know God’s heart for those living and suffering in poverty.
After graduating from college David served in various staff roles at Grace, including young adult ministry, outreach, and missions. During this time he also attended and graduated from Fuller Seminary. He is grateful for these twelve enriching years of ministry, growth, and lifelong friendships. His mission trips with Word Made Flesh introduced David to desperate poverty overseas in places like India, Peru, and Sierra Leone. These trips broke his heart and drove him to Scripture to listen to God’s heart for the poor and consider his response to stand in the gap and intervene with God’s love, justice, and mercy. After wrapping up his staff position at Grace in 2005, a Word Made Flesh internship provided opportunity to serve, learn, and discern future steps among the poor in Brazil and South Africa. During this time a series of spiritual formation and leadership development "Journey" retreats led by The Leadership Institute were a valuable piece of mentoring and growth.
David now looks forward to sharing life and ministry with at risk kids on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina for a few years. He is also hopeful for what God may have ahead serving in the townships of Cape Town, South Africa. His three life priorities are shaped by John 15: 1) abiding relationship and intimacy with God; 2) loving one another in community; 3) and bearing fruit and witness among the poor. He is growing to understand his primary vocation as follower of Jesus Christ conforming into his image. He is grateful for the ongoing love, support, and prayers of his Grace family!
I wrote up my first “missionary bio” for the church highlighting some of the key moments in my journey and the communities that have played a part! My commissioning seems like a good time to share it here.
Growing up at Grace and in a family that loved and served Jesus, David made a decision at a young age to follow Him. Today he continues the process of knowing and following Jesus more fully. His burden for the poor began to take root when the youth group regularly visited El Sauzal Orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico. While attending Biola University, David sought ways to serve the poor locally. He served among Cambodian refugee families with InnerCHANGE in Long Beach, developing a relationship with one family that deeply impacted his desire to know God’s heart for those living and suffering in poverty.
After graduating from college David served in various staff roles at Grace, including young adult ministry, outreach, and missions. During this time he also attended and graduated from Fuller Seminary. He is grateful for these twelve enriching years of ministry, growth, and lifelong friendships. His mission trips with Word Made Flesh introduced David to desperate poverty overseas in places like India, Peru, and Sierra Leone. These trips broke his heart and drove him to Scripture to listen to God’s heart for the poor and consider his response to stand in the gap and intervene with God’s love, justice, and mercy. After wrapping up his staff position at Grace in 2005, a Word Made Flesh internship provided opportunity to serve, learn, and discern future steps among the poor in Brazil and South Africa. During this time a series of spiritual formation and leadership development "Journey" retreats led by The Leadership Institute were a valuable piece of mentoring and growth.
David now looks forward to sharing life and ministry with at risk kids on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina for a few years. He is also hopeful for what God may have ahead serving in the townships of Cape Town, South Africa. His three life priorities are shaped by John 15: 1) abiding relationship and intimacy with God; 2) loving one another in community; 3) and bearing fruit and witness among the poor. He is growing to understand his primary vocation as follower of Jesus Christ conforming into his image. He is grateful for the ongoing love, support, and prayers of his Grace family!
1 comments:
Awesome! I am so encouraged by your post. I know that the road ahead for me is long, but your story gives hope and understanding that it really is God who leads and guides and opens doors. I am so grateful and thankful for your openness. I am praying for you as you continue on. Peace. Howard
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