MKs are impressive

Missionary kids are sometimes called “Third Culture Kids” because they are neither part of the culture of their (or more likely, their parents’) home country nor of the country where they are living.  In fact they might have actually been raised in more than one foreign country because of new assignments.  In addition, they have close friends from many other countries who are also MKs.  There are often over 20 nationalities represented here in Ukarumpa.  Finally, growing up in the middle of nowhere (that’s where Ukarumpa is) means that this little island of people develops its own culture (way of thinking and doing things).

 

The MKs here in Ukarumpa are really special.  We saw that 3 years ago and we’ve already seen it here in the 7 days we’ve been back. 

 

For example, there was a senior recital for Kei Matsumora, a Korean Ukarumpa International School student.  The auditorium was packed out to listen to this young man play his jazz saxophone.  What a great performance!  Not only did his wonderful talent as a jazz musician and composer show but his character as he introduced each number and gave his testimony and glory to God.  This young man has been accepted to the Berklee College of Music in Boston.  While his English is flawless with no accent, the US will be very different for him.

 

Another example is Seong Eun Jung, another High School Senior who also happens to be a Korean MK, who gave the message this morning at church. (From what we’ve seen, all the students are excellent examples of what’s happening here, not just those who are Asian.)  Frankly, I thought he was much older, both the way he deported himself and also the way his message flowed.  Seong Eun was humorous and relaxed, but his message about Joseph and Potiphar’s wife was pointed and impacted me on several levels.  His point:  we are all strangers at various points in our lives, including just being sojourners and strangers on this earth, but God is with us.  He is also heading to the US (college in Amherst, MA) where he again starts off in a new place and new culture with no family or friends, but he has a confidence and peace because God is with him.

 

So, whatever you face this week, as a believer in the one true God, He is with us.