author
"People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.” – Luke 13:29 (NIV)
Growing up, my family's dinner table was always full of people from different backgrounds. My parents would invite anyone and everyone to join us at our family meals. From the migrant workers at his book-binding factory to the single neighbour struggling to make ends meet, our home became a place where everyone felt welcome, and these experiences taught me the power of inclusivity and the warmth of hospitality.
Jesus' words in Luke 13:29 remind me of those family gatherings. He describes a divine banquet where there's a place for everyone, no matter where they come from or what their story is. This vision of God's Kingdom is a powerful reminder that everyone is welcome in God's eyes.
In my life, this theme of acceptance has been more than just a comforting thought — it has been a calling. I've had the privilege of working with a couple of physically and mentally challenged communities in China that are marginalised and overlooked by their own government, communities and even their families. Whether in remote villages in the Sichuan province of China or inner-city neighbourhoods in Clarkson on the outskirts of Atlanta, USA, I've seen firsthand that everyone deserves a place at God's table.
One memorable experience was when I took a group on an outreach to a welfare home in a remote village in China. The welfare home was humble and forgotten by many, but the people there, despite their struggles, welcomed us with open arms and hearts. We shared meals, stories and prayers, breaking through language and cultural barriers. In those simple gatherings, I saw a glimpse of God's Kingdom — a community where love and acceptance transcended all differences.
Another profound encounter was with a group of immigrants eking out a living in a run-down, squalid apartment block. These individuals had very little, yet they welcomed us with hope in their eyes. We organised a simple meal, and as we shared food and laughter, the atmosphere changed. Strangers became friends, and despair turned into hope. It was a beautiful reminder that God's table is not just a future promise but something we can create here and now.
Additionally, leading OM to reach the least reached has been a cornerstone of my faith journey. The process is covered with both action and prayer. Each prayer is a reminder of God's boundless love and his desire for everyone to experience it. I remember a particular night of prayer when I felt a deep burden for a region struggling with violence and poverty. As I prayed, I pictured a table set in that place, filled with people from all walks of life, experiencing the peace and joy of God's Kingdom. That vision has inspired me to ensure that everyone, no matter how marginalised, knows they have a place at God's table.
Living out this inclusive vision isn't always easy. It means stepping out of our comfort zones, challenging our biases and extending grace even when it's hard. It's about seeing people through God's eyes — valuing their worth and recognising their potential. It's about creating spaces where people feel loved, accepted and valued.
Back in the welfare home in China, we initiated a practice to welcome anyone who needed a bed or a meal or who wanted to use his or her talents as an expression of their offering to serve with us. It began with a simple idea: to create a space where anyone, regardless of their background, could come and share a meal. What started as a small group has grown into a diverse assembly of individuals — volunteers, professionals, homeless, family-less — each bringing their unique story. Every meal is a celebration of God's inclusive love, a tangible expression of the Kingdom of God here on earth.
These experiences have shown me that inclusivity is not just a nice idea; it's a call to action. It's about seeking out the least reached, inviting them into our lives and showing them that they belong. It's about being the hands and feet of Jesus, creating tables of love and acceptance in a world that often excludes and marginalises.
As I reflect on Luke 13:29, I'm reminded that God's invitation is for everyone. It's an invitation to experience His love, grace and redemption. And as followers of Christ, we are called to extend that invitation, to create spaces where people from the east and west, north and south, can take their place at the feast in the Kingdom of God.
In a world filled with division and exclusion, let us be the bearers of God's inclusive love. Let's create tables where everyone is welcome, where stories are shared and where lives are transformed. In doing so, we not only reflect the heart of God but also experience the joy of His Kingdom here and now.
Share On Your Socials
Rebecca and Renette share what 2020 taught them in a 'thank you' letter to the year.
After experiencing God provide through prayer, Peter embarks on a global journey of praying for the nations and leading others in that process.
After Bible School David and Adèle understood God tell them to wait, and so, they actively waited as they sought His direction.
Seeing people put into practice what they’ve learnt to start their own businesses and then “at the end of the day, they’re actually able to be self-sustainable and provide for their families” is one of Jacob’s favourite aspects of the training.
In this month's Director's Update, read Lawrence Tong's article about how we must bridge the sacred-secular divide not just in our ministries but also in our minds.
Hasan's method to live out Christ’s love on the football field in southern Africa is simple: ‘pray, play and say.’
Through repeat visits to a West African port, OM’s Ship Ministry partners with a local pastor for ongoing impact and community transformation.
"In my family, traditions and cultural barriers could not keep the love of Jesus from breaking through," I'Ching Chan-Thomas shares.
"Today, it is still the ‘OM way’ to welcome people who want to love God and love others around the world, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to thrive in mission," Tami says.
Paul shares what fuelled his motivation to support believers in areas of Asia where it is hard to follow Jesus. He hopes their stories will inspire someone to catch the vision for helping equip the church in this region.
In this month's Director's Update, read Lawrence Tong's article about how we must bridge the sacred-secular divide not just in our ministries but also in our minds.
OM's International Director, Lawrence Tong, pays tribute to George Verwer and encourages workers to continue the global mission in innovative ways.
How can we test ourselves for drifting away from being in step with the Spirit? What are the consequences of drifting for ourselves and others? What steps might be taken to overcome drifting?
Since the book of Acts, a debate has been waged regarding how our faith in Jesus is best experienced and expressed. This has created an unfounded dichotomy between doctrine and deed, heads and hands or, as the title reads, nouns and verbs. In reality, we need to explore anything that, when evident, accurately depicts faith.
Within the span of a few generations, truth as an arbiter of reality has been assailed, deconstructed, distorted and devalued to the point where its existence and authority in the affairs of mankind are challenged. Once considered absolute, truth is being replaced by relative truth, rationalisation, contextual truth or personal, private truth that owe no accountability to anyone, especially Almighty God. As followers of Jesus, who declared, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (Jn.14:6, NIV) — not one among many — we must subject ourselves to the truth in all we think, say and do.
Everywhere we look in our techno-digital age, we see a powerful wave of innovation, driven by understanding the needs and desires of others and how they can be served, oftentimes for profit. But is innovation reserved for global enterprise, science and mad geniuses, or is it within reach of individuals? Can we advance our mission through innovation as we empathise with the needs, challenges and hopes of people?
The pace, pressure and complexity of life intensifies over time. We need to set aside time with God.
International Director Emeritus Lawrence Tong shares his thoughts on how we can prepare the next generation to be leaders.
Leaders like to talk about personality types....leadership depends on how a leader plans his or her succession plans
