A Place At The TableSample

The Globe 

Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. —John 17:18

What souvenirs do you bring back home when you travel? 

Maybe you enjoy bringing back handmade gifts like jewelry or clothing, or you might prefer souvenirs in the form of food. One of the best things about traveling is that when we return home, we bring a piece of the place we visited with us and get to share it with others!

We can get glimpses of the kingdom of heaven when we allow ourselves the chance to experience cultures that differ from ours—when we eat different foods, engage with people who speak different languages, and learn from their experiences. 

God values each and every one of the approximately 7,000 languages in the world. In fact, Scripture tells us that someday the kingdom of heaven will be filled with people from every spoken and signed language on earth, praising God (Rev. 7:9-10). What an amazing picture!

The kingdom of heaven is vast and diverse. And our call as followers of Christ on earth is to be reflections of the kingdom of God. Regardless of whether you’d use the word to describe yourself, you’re a missionary. Your life is a testimony to God’s goodness and faithfulness to your family, neighbors, friends, coworkers and really anyone God puts in your path! 

What are you doing with your global calling?

Food for Thought:

• If you could travel to any country in the world right now, where would you go?
• What have you learned from interacting with someone whose culture is different from yours?
• What is one way that you can step outside of your cultural comfort zone?

Olavi and Marja’s love story, with all its ups and downs, is beautifully intertwined with their global calling from God.