The relief of speedily landing a job within one’s profession-of-choice after years of intense studies and research endeavors can generate euphoria. While the news of gaining his first-ever professorship assignment did indeed spark such joy, our Southeast Asia friend Nguyen (‘Doctor Nguyen’ now), found a further thrill lying not far ahead.
The past several years had, in hindsight, defined a dramatic watershed season for the young family. As newcomers to a strange, intriguing culture (America), they had been welcomed into and then comforted by a gracious community of Jesus-followers.
Along the way, they permitted themselves to question earlier assumptions about culture, faith and even foundational matters of life’s meaning.
In time, they had discovered and received Christ as savior, welcomed his Spirit as comforter (amidst grieving the loss of a newborn). They had effectively embraced Jesus as their loving, companioning master for all of life here on out. The experiences of those recent years, plodded day by day in the real world among faithful brothers and sisters, had – at the core – set the Nguyens on a radical trajectory of purpose. With no desire to content themselves with a status-quo Christianity, the couple brought a single-mindedness to walking closely with the savior who had given – and now continued giving – life to them. Whatever the future, the Nguyens were on mission to share him with others.
As to that further thrill – the surprise one coming on the heels of securing his teaching job.
The fresh teaching position had meant relocating from Tulsa, Oklahoma to another city and state westward. Following their move, Professor Nguyen and his wife made a discovery. Their new place of residence, they learned, was home to a large element of their own Southeast Asia countrymen, some ten thousand in number. Common culture. Common language. Even common flavors teasing the tastebud!
Ignatian Spirituality conveys a happy sentiment, “May the God of surprises delight you.”
Among varying faith expressions, only a single small church of this ethnicity was found in the city.
A new young family had now come to town.
Primed for worship and for witness. Through community.
– ©2024 Jerry Lout Writer/Speaker Jerry Lout grew up in Okmulgee County. Jerry’s “Living with a Limp” and “Giants in the Rough” are available through Amazon. Current projects include “Inside-Out” and “Thresholds” – a string of narratives highlighting surprises, sorrows and adventure in the post-Africa years. Jerry welcomes reader comments at jerrylout@gmail.com and 918-857-4373.
