Written By: Michael Yoon | Outreach Worker in Jesse Ketchum
Jesse Ketchum is a new community with Toronto City Mission (TCM), and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be entrusted with this opportunity to serve this neighborhood. As I begin to think about what it will be like, several scripture passages come to mind as I begin to tackle the responsibilities of preparing for it. There are four themes that pop up for me from these verses, which are continual blessings for me in my life. I hope and pray it is for you too.
#1. God is with us, present in our emptiness!
Sometimes it seems like there is an emptiness within us. However, I can see how God uses our state of emptiness as an opportunity, to fill us with life. In Genesis 1, we read the account of creation, and how there was emptiness and everything was formless. There was seemingly nothing there. However, this was not true, as God was there. God in all majestic glory created something out of nothing and made it all happen. On top of it all, God looked upon it all and was glad. From the creation account, we can be reminded that even when we feel helpless, hopeless, empty, and alone, God is right there, creating within us a new spirit. As I look forward to working with the Jesse Ketchum community, I wait in anticipation to see all the great and abundant works that God will do.
#2. Trust in the process when journeying with God!
People sometimes say that time is precious. I get what they mean because the time for me is definitely a gift. I can either be at rest or play, but oftentimes I need to be in prep mode as well. In Joshua 3, we read that Joshua and the Israelites were preparing to enter the promised land. God had clear instructions for them and they chose to be obedient to the instruction. They also went with courage. The type of courage that is enabled by God. Through these verses, we can learn to continue trusting God through the thick and thin. Through these verses, I can also trust God that the needs of the community are met, through preparation, prayer, and action.
#3. Despite adversity, God is with us!
From an early age, we encounter challenges in life. We learn in childhood that running around at school or at an afterschool program you’re bound to run into scrapes and bruises. This was the case with Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 4, we read how Nehemiah, who was responsible for the rebuilding of the temple, did not cower in the face of adversity. His adversaries were naysayers who sought to bring the project to a stop. However, being a person of God, Nehemiah had the wisdom to discern who they were, how to avert the trouble and ensure the completion of the temple rebuilding. He also had people looking out for him. This is a wake-up call to always pray for wisdom to discern any spiritual adversities that may be a hindrance to growth in godly character, and praise God for all the prayers and support received from others. As I look forward to Jesse Ketchum starting up and getting prepared, I am reminded to look to God when adversity arises, and with the help of others, I can get back on track.
#4. God: Our perfector!
Over the years, I have become very aware of the labels we place on ourselves and each other. It can be a gift to be good at organizing, but if I start categorizing myself and others into boxes, I will start to forget the promises of God. In Matthew 28, our Lord and King rose from the dead. God ransomed us and put His only Son on the line for the sin-wreaked broken world. With the risen Christ, putting the schemes of the evil one to rest so we can have a new life adopted into the family of Christ. When I read this I realize I’m far from perfect and that I am a sinner. However, by accepting and being a part of Christ’s family, we have a new label. We have a new identity that trumps all labels and identities. We can be assured knowing we are now equipped to wipe out the toxic lies about us, and that with daily renewal, Christ empowers us to be more like Him. Praise God! This is the sole reason I exist at TCM’s new site soon to be open, that God uses me for His purposes alone for the Jesse Ketchum community.
As I prepare for this journey into Jesse Ketchum, I place my trust in God because He is my hope and the fulfiller of all my needs. Although this space seems empty now and knowing there will be adversity in the road ahead, I move forward knowing that God will use all of it for His kingdom plans.