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I've been fascinated with the word resilience. I even like the way it’s pronounced. While it may sound silly to native English speakers, for an ESL student, it can be exotic. For example, try to say Feliz Navidad. Beautiful and exquisite, right? Resilience may not compete in significance with other famous words in the Bible like love, peace, and grace—but resilience has been, and continues to be, at the heart of ministry today.

"One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the temple for prayer meeting. At the same time …"  Acts 3:1 (The Message)

I have been reminded of this passage of Scripture so many times over this season of lockdown. It seems that Peter and John were doing what they did every day. They were engaging together and then found an opportunity in front of them. I believe that, much like Peter and John, we have found an opportunity in front of us.

I’m learning what it means to be quiet before the Lord.

I recently planted a church, and life is becoming a lot busier for me—meeting with new believers, doing sermon prep, discipling leaders. I often become anxious about things I can’t control. I’m learning that when I’m worried, I need to turn to the Lord in prayer. Out of everything I need to do as a church planter, my prayer life needs to be the most important thing. I believe every Christian needs to build their life on a foundation of prayer.

Growing up, my parents instilled in my sister and I that we are to love our neighbor not just because we need to rely on them, but because they are family. My mother commuted to Ann Arbor daily, where she worked at the University of Michigan and was in a master’s program. Through her work and studies, my sister and I met folks from many cultures. We attended events and were able to use many of our senses to learn about a variety of cultures and faiths. I was able to turn my fears or anxieties into curiosities.