In less than two weeks, I will be flying home to Indonesia. Although I have been living in the US for ten years, I have not been back to Indonesia in over four years. This trip home will be an extra special one, since I will be attending the Mennonite World Conference (MWC) Assembly in Salatiga, Indonesia from July 5 to 10.
Last month, I attended a luncheon, hosted by Mosaic Conference, in South Philadelphia where César García, MWC General Secretary, shared about the history and diversity of World Conference. At the end of the event, García gifted the Conference a mosaic artwork of the Last Supper, signifying the diversity at Jesus’ table.
As I prepare for my sojourn home, I found myself reflecting on this beautiful artwork, what it means for me to attend the MWC Assembly, and what it means for me to be a part of the global Anabaptist family. Here are some of my reflections:
Coming as I am
In the artwork, people are pictured wearing robes in different colors and forms. Jesus doesn’t ask us to change our clothes or to shed our robes to look alike. From our background, history, and cultures, we all have something to bring to the table. I have something to bring to the table when I come as I am.
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
Revelation 22:17, ESV
Coming with an Open Mind
A mosaic is made by broken pieces of material that were put together to form a beautiful new picture. When I see myself as just one broken piece of material, it’s hard to see God’s big picture for my life and for this world. The only way for me to see God’s plan is by opening my mind and letting the mosaic take shape as God wills.
But now, O Lord, you are our Father;
Isaiah 64:8, ESV
we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand
Jesus at the Center
Lastly, the artwork reminds me to put Jesus at the center of the conversation. May Jesus be in the center of the worship, workshops, and conversations that I participate in while in Indonesia. May Jesus be in the center of new relationships that will be formed.
I pray that the Spirit of reconciliation, peace, and unity will be present and continue to grow among us as more opportunities arise and come together at the world’s table. May Jesus continue to be in the center of it all.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
John 15:4, ESV
I am excited with this opportunity to hear, learn, and connect with the global Anabaptist community. I will be documenting my experience for Mosaic Conference, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.