|
|
|
|
|
|
Metamorphosis: a process of transformation
|
|
Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis: change or transformation. The best example of this in nature is the process by which caterpillars change into butterflies. This has always fascinated me. A seemingly unattractive egg, laid on a leaf, hatches into a caterpillar, which eventually becomes a beautiful butterfly.
The caterpillar eats and sheds its skin as it continues to grow. This process repeats many times, until the caterpillar finally creates a pupa, and outer casing that will nurture the caterpillar as it transforms into an adult butterfly.
What is most noteworthy to me about this process is how much change comes from within the pupa itself. It is a slow process of transformation through a complete cycle of life. 10-14 days inside this encasing, that changes a seemingly ordinary caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly.
Immediately after the butterfly emerges, it still needs some time to grow. To strengthen its wings. But eventually, that butterfly grows strong and gracefully takes flight.
Third Ward, Houston
Over the past few months, God continues to remind me that to the untrained eye and despairing heart, my neighborhood may look like a caterpillar. But caterpillars are beautiful, because they carry promise to term. Caterpillars are butterflies in the making! The Third Ward, I believe, is undergoing a metamorphosis. It is a neighborhood that brims with so much history, culture, character and hope.
Our ministry is also going through a metamorphosis. Over the past few years, we have eaten the leaves of learning, as we explored and discerned where God was leading us. We have also shed some skin, as God constantly surprised us by giving us new models for doing ministry every time we thought we had figured it all out.
Now, we are encased and transforming. Through his Spirit, God is breathing new life into what we are doing in the Third Ward. It is hard to do the work of resting, but we trust that God is transforming us into a beautiful ministry that will bring him glory in Houston's historic Third Ward.
We believe that God is calling us to nurture our own corner of this neighborhood. The seeds of a new creation are here. Where others see a "worthless" caterpillar, I choose to see a butterfly in the making. God is in the Third Ward. I'm excited to be on this journey, finding the places he is already working, and humbly joining him in his daily work of renewing and restoring all things!
|
|
|
|
|
|
CRWM Board Travel
Last month, I had the unique privilege of traveling to Europe to visit, pray with, and encourage CRWM Missionaries in the field.
I spent time with missionaries in Lupeni, Romania, leading adventure education camps and Impact Clubs for youth in the city. I also spent time in Klaipeda, Lithuania, at LCC International University, a Christian University that is "challenging minds and transforming hearts" of students from various ethnic and religious backgrounds in Europe.
All the ministries we visited were very different, but all had one goal...proclaiming and demonstrating the gospel of Jesus Christ and his kingdom in the places God has planted them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eigege Family Update
At the end of last month, we got to visit my brother and sister-inlaw in Miami, FL. Our brother Jona also joined us from Washington D.C.
My dad had a training in Atlanta in March, and came to Houston afterwards. Jaya Ehi really liked having her Baba around.
Chichi, Jaya and I are also happy to announce that we are expecting a second baby this year! Our due date is in September 14, 2016.
Since assuming my role as a Community Chaplain, our family became members at City of Refuge, and Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Houston. We are grateful for this mosaic community that challenges us to become more like Jesus Christ.
|
|
|
|
|
Video and GoFund Me Campaign
About two months ago, Christian Reformed Home Missions sent us a videographer who helped us capture a small piece of our story.
To view the video, please click HERE. We are so thankful for how God is growing our love for the Third Ward as we work as agents of his transformation there.
In February, I also started a GoFundMe Campaign to raise money for my personal expense, and also for certain building related projects (demolition, blueprint design). Please click HERE to visit the campaign to learn more.
If you would like to give a tax deductible gift, please click on the "Donate" button below, and select "Missions: Square Inch" in the drop down menu.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
