Few accomplishments rival the relief of landing a job in one’s profession of choice soon after finishing years of intense work and study. While the news of gaining his first-ever gig – professorship in the energy industry – sparked real delight, our Southeast Asia friend Nguyen (now ‘Doctor Nguyen’) would soon meet with yet another thrill.
The past several years had, in hindsight, proved a watershed season for his young family. As newcomers to a strange, intriguing culture (America), the Nguyens had been befriended and afterward deeply comforted by a little band of Jesus-followers.
Along the way, they had permitted themselves to revisit and question some of their earlier assumptions about culture, faith – even foundational matters of life’s meaning.
In time they had yielded themselves to Christ, receiving him as Lord. They encountered his comforting presence, as well, during the grievous loss of their newborn. They utterly embraced Jesus as companioning master for all of life “here on out”. The twists and turns of those recent years – carrying forward in the real world in the company of faithful brothers and sisters – had, at the core, set the Nguyen household on a radical trajectory of purpose. With no desire to content themselves with a status-quo Christian faith, the couple brought a single-mindedness to walking closely with their Savior who had given – and continued giving – life to them. Whatever the future, the Nguyens were on mission to share the life with others.
As to that further thrill – the one beyond the teaching job.
The fresh position meant relocating from Tulsa to another city and state westward. After their move, Professor Nguyen and his wife had a surprise discovery. Their new place of residence was home to a large community (some ten thousand) of their own overseas countrymen. Of common culture and common language and common flavors suited to the Southeast Asian tastebud.
Ignatian Spirituality conveys a happy sentiment, “May the God of surprises delight you”.
A single small church existed to serve and reach out to this large ethnic population of the city.
It was to this environment the young professor was sensing a clear leading. Primed for worship and for witness, through community.
©2024 Jerry Lout