A letter from Ingrid Reneau in Sudan
December 18, 2008
Making us one: Yahweh’s mission in Africa and at “home”
And the glory which You gave Me, I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me.
John 17: 22-23.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Since returning to Oakland, California, in November to see my dad, who has been diagnosed with advanced bone cancer, I’ve been wondering about the oneness of family, especially the family of Yahweh, the Body of Christ: is it apparent that no matter where we come, or who we are, we are one because we reflect Christ?
It seems our divisions are not just geographic and continental, as in Africa and America, but even here at home, despite the Obamas’ victory, we continue to be divided by class, color, “tribes”/culture, politics, denomination, and so on. The littlest things are causes of offense amongst us. But since Jesus has imparted to us the glory He received from the Father, why don’t we recognize His glory upon each other?
Beloved Mother Overall of Shiloh suggested when we are not one it is because we’re unwilling to give up our individual spheres of authority—our status in life based on whatever we’ve settled on as that thing that makes us “important.” I think she’s right.
Still, I’m in awe of the great, wise love of Yahweh to come to us in the flesh of Jesus, the Son, that we may recognize Him in the flesh of our family members, near and far. This oneness of Emmanuel is such a wonder! I ache for us to live this wonder as the Body of Christ.
This, then, is my prayer this Christmas, as I thank our Father anew for choosing us to become one in Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to pray with us and in us His kingdom come on earth as it is heaven, amen.
I thank each of you for your continued prayers and financial support for me and the people of Southern Sudan, that through your prayerful giving unto each other, we manifest indeed the glorious oneness of the Body of our Lord Jesus, amen.
In His Great Love, and with His rich blessings and best wishes for the New Year 2009!
Ingrid
The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 10
