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.