martins on the move

Gifts of Grace
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them:if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:3-8 (ESV)

     5 years into our call to cross-cultural ministry, Angel and I have constantly been affirmed in how we are to serve the Lord and His kingdom. We love to love on people. While we both have the ability and the skills to lead, our hearts desire to serve leadership that reflects the context that we are found. While in Uganda, we had the tremendous joy and pleasure to serve the South Sudanese church leaders inside of the refugee settlements. God had placed them in that place and at that time to minister to the needs of Christ’s church. Church planting was taking place, preaching of the word was happening and the proclamation of the Christ’s love was being performed. These amazing leaders though were presented with a never ending list of needs, many of which could not be met with what was available to the church. God led us to the Kiryandongo Refugee settlement to assist these leaders, to “serve the tables” so that the ministry of the word and prayer could be of primary focus. It was a ministry for which we were created to love.

After much prayer and many conversations, we were called to explore options for where and how we would serve in our next term. After 15 months of searching, praying and many conversations, we have been called to join Serge in Southall, London. Southall is home to a very vibrant, multi-generational community of immigrants. Many of these immigrants are from South Asia. Angel and I will be joining the Serge team as they partner with New Life Masih Grar church (www.nlmg.org) in proclaiming the love of Christ Jesus into this community. For us specifically, we have been asked to serve the church and the church leadership in aiding in the growth of gospel-centered, justice and mercy ministry within the church and outwardly into the community. Paul exhorts the Galatian church, ” So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal 6:10). This is the heart that we want to have as we venture into this new call.

And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:2-6 (ESV)