Beginnings
By Andrew Gale, Executive Director of Global Strategy
Everything starts somewhere.
“In the beginning God created…”
“In the beginning was the Word…”
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..”
“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit…”
“Once upon a time…”
Some of the most compelling stories we read or hear—whether real or fictional—begin with humble origins and lead to places of influence. From Michael Jordan being cut from his high school basketball team to four children stumbling through a wardrobe into a mythical realm where they become royalty, we are drawn to stories of unexpected journeys. We resonate with people who end up somewhere they never imagined possible.
Between Easter and Pentecost this year, Global Strategy has been sharing about the call to serve. We are encouraging leaders across the country to consider how God may be calling them—whether locally or globally—to step into service. Each of us has a unique calling, a distinct place where our story intersects with the story God is writing through us.
Recently, I had the opportunity to share an update about Global Strategy, and part of our conversation focused on the need for people today to embrace the call God may be placing on their lives.
You can watch the full conversation here.
During this same season, A World of Good podcast has been in the midst of a series called “Origin Stories.” We asked our five couples serving globally to share about their journey to cross-cultural service. The beauty of each story is how different they are. Jesus calls us to service from all kinds of places and circumstances. Sometimes we assume there is a “normal” path to global service: feel the call, get the education, go serve. But many of the stories we captured reflect a far more winding journey. They are stories of slow, gradual steps—people faithfully following the next right thing God placed in front of them.
What is God calling you to in this season? Maybe it’s something as simple as connecting with a neighbor or serving in a local ministry. Maybe it’s the beginning of a gradual journey toward something larger God has in store for you.
Whatever it may be, discern the call, develop your gifts, and dive in. There is nowhere more beautiful than living in the center of God’s calling on your life.
