UNITY IN DIVERSITY CONT…

In many respects, Mariners is a global church. We have seen the dramatic impact of Rooted on our church over the last several years. Not only has it created a shift in the landscape and culture of Mariners, it has also impacted 100+ churches here in the U.S. and numerous churches in other countries. Rooted is a direct result of engaging with the global church, specifically Mavuno Church in Kenya. Our relationship with Mavuno and our other global partners has created a new foundation in our church for a more holistic picture of ministry. We have moved from being an independent church to becoming a beautiful picture of interdependence with other Kingdom-builders throughout the world. “I am because we are, and because we are, therefore I am.” In essence, we are interdependent and inter-connected by the gospel.

There is nothing more beautiful than unity in diversity. Yet, as we look around, we can see this is the very thing that is lacking in our world today. We are overwhelmed by perilous and tumultuous times. Our country is plagued by polarizing views and rhetoric, the UK and Europe struggle with many challenging issues, and the Middle East continues to be in shambles since the Arab Spring began five years ago. Africa has been challenged for decades and Latin America and some parts of Asia have their own struggles. It’s in the midst of this turmoil that the global church of Jesus Christ is called to rise up and be a much needed light in dark times. When we, (the church), put into action the mandate we have to model unity in diversity, something incredible happens. Healing. In today’s world we are not shocked by dissension, polarization, enmity, hatred, jealousy, and bigotry, among other ills. But when healing takes place in the harshest of conditions, the world pays attention.

The world is confounded by the idea of unity in diversity. It’s powerful when people who have no reason or business loving each other come together IN love FOR one another. Jesus did not stay far, He came close. His love compels us to do the same. As we come up close and personal to others, we realize that every human being is an image bearer. No one knows this better than the Church (“ekklesia,” the called out ones), to follow Jesus and fearlessly change the world. You have the opportunity to put Jesus on display daily as you encounter others who are nothing like you. How can you be Jesus to them and how can you display love, even when it’s personally conflicting? I implore you to consider engaging with “the other.” As a church, we are committed to engaging the global world. That means right here in our own neighborhoods, “across the tracks” and across the oceans. Would you consider your part in putting love on display for the world to see?

It brings me such joy to see courageous people stepping out of their comfort zones and traveling to other countries to experience unity in diversity firsthand. Currently, we have a team in DR Congo, and our high school students just returned from Haiti. We have a team headed to Uganda in early August and another team traveling to Egypt and the Middle East soon after. Our Egypt and Middle East team will be joined by teams from Mavuno Church and Nairobi Chapel in Kenya, Sri-Lanka, and Germany. Please pray for all of these teams. You have an opportunity this fall to be a part of our teams to Mexico, Haiti, Egypt and Kenya. Prayerfully consider signing up for one of these fall opportunities. For info, please contact pphilp@marinerschurch.org

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in the midst of fear. Let’s continue to display love, especially unity in diversity. Unity is not uniformity. Let’s do it afraid. Jesus loves us, so let’s love a world that is anxiously waiting to be loved. I promise you, it will be shocking.

Christian Mungai
Global Engagement Pastor