A prayer/poem composed within our first few months in cross-cultural ministry…

Lord, empty me further

    though its painful to say-

In order to be effective,

    I can’t stay this way-

Wrapped in my culture,

    steeped in my pride-

You must break me and mould me-

    rip away my tough hide

Until I’m soft and I’m supple

    and easily led

Down a path that brings life

    as I choose “in Christ”

To be dead-

To my own ways,

    holding onto the familiar-

The comfort zone of my heart

    where no one else sees-

Oh Jesus, make me willing

    to die for You

By living a life

    that presently is so foreign,

So remote, so forlorn

    but if I long for Your kingdom to come,

Then again,

    I must be re-born

Transformed anew

    secure in Your love.