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ByEthan S-G on Tuesday, October 18, 2022

6 Gospel Truths for TCKs

Ethan S-G By Ethan S-G on Tuesday, October 18, 2022

 

Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and Missionary Kids (MKs) have unique and complex lives shaped by experiences foreign to most people.

While there are many positive things about growing up as MKs, we face unique challenges and personal needs that sometime seem impossible to meet. Yet there is someone who promises to be able to meet those needs in a meaningful way, Jesus.

The good news of Jesus is He can meet every need of our heart arising from growing up cross-culturally.

1. Jesus is good and wants you to live an abundant, joyful life.

The good news of Jesus is celebratory and joyful. Yet as MKs, we can start to view Jesus as being our parent’s harsh boss, the one who called them (and forced us) to leave everything and move overseas, perhaps multiple times.

Yet for his first miracle, in John 2, Jesus turns water into wine to contribute to the celebrations of a wedding party. From this, we can see Jesus as someone good, as someone worth celebrating and being joyful over. “Everyone serves the good wine first…then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now” (John 2:10).

He wants us to live abundant, joyful lives through him.

2. The light of Jesus is stronger than the darkness you experience.

As TCKs, we grow up seeing and experiencing so much darkness in the people and places we live in. Anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and abuse have impacted many of us TCKs personally, in our families, or in the communities we grew up in.

Psalm 36:10 says, “For with you is the fountain of life, in your light do we see light”. We can be secure in the light of Christ because it is stronger than the darkness we have seen and experienced, and he is safe.

Jesus offers us himself as “the light of the world” so that “whoever follows [him] will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

3. Jesus deeply loves you.

As MKs, we sometimes question the genuineness of people’s love. Because of how we are raised and what we witness growing up, we measure people’s love by what they are willing to give up and sacrifice.

Jesus is the good shepherd, the one who went before and died for us in our place. He promises to provide for our needs, starting with laying down his life for us. We can believe Jesus truly and deeply loves us because he sacrificed everything for us. He is “the good shepherd,” the one who lays “down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

4. You are held securely in the hand of Jesus.

One of the major characteristics of an MK’s life is lack of security, whether physical safety, the prospect of constant moving, long-term friendships, or unpredictability with the future.

Despite the reality of these characteristics in our lives, Christ says that we are held in his hand and in the Father’s hand. Not only has he saved us and given us eternal life, but he holds us securely in his hand and by nature of that we are held in the Father’s hand from where nothing in life can ever remove us. “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).

As Jesus followers, it does not matter the stage of life we are in, how we are doing spiritually, or the mistakes we have made. We are held securely in Jesus’ hand and in the Father’s hand, and it does not depend on us.

5. You are known and accepted by Jesus.

As TCKs, we can struggle with being fully known and how much of ourselves to reveal to people.

The layers of complexity of our upbringing means few people can appreciate and understand the entire multi-faceted nature of our beings. Like chameleons, we can choose how we want to be seen, only showing the favorable parts of ourselves.

Yet, in Christ, nothing needs to be hidden for him to accept us. He says, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” (John 12:46). His desire is for us to come to him with everything of ourselves and be in his light where we are fully actualized and complete.

6. God has a place for you.

God has a place for us.

As TCKs, we are constantly losing our belonging with friends, family, at school, and in other areas.

Jesus tells us, “[i]n my Father’s house are many rooms” and “if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:2-3).

The good news of Jesus tells us that those who believe can know that we are going to a place where we will live forever, where there will be no pain, no goodbyes, no separation because Jesus went before and prepared an eternal home for us. Therefore, we can live with hope.

Jesus is Good News.

Jesus is everything. He is the only one who can meet all the needs of our hearts, even the unique ones that arise from being MKs. He lived with real, sacrificial love so we can exist securely in his hand.

Because of Jesus, our stories as TCKs can be fully brought to his light, and we can have hope we are going to a place we can call home forever.

Jesus is good news because he meets every need of our hearts.


Ethan is an MK/TCK who lived in Angola, Zambia, and Portugal. He is studying sustainable agriculture and is passionate about working alongside underprivileged communities in building secure food systems to empower them to be able to break the poverty cycle. In his spare time, he enjoys canicross, dog training, mountain biking, and parkour.



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Did you miss our past blogs? Check them out below!

 

Adult Third Culture Kid Research: The Heart Behind the Research

This summer, we had the privilege of connecting with Shelly Lyons about her research on Adult Third Culture Kids. Listen in to hear more about the “heart” behind the research and her big picture dreams for how it will be used! 

Adult Third Culture Kids (ATCK) are adults whose lives were shaped by mobility and cross-cultural experiences during their childhood. According to Merriam Webster, a “Third Culture Kid (TCK)” refers to "a child who grows up in a culture different from the one in which his or her parents grew up ... The 'third culture' to which the term refers is the mixed identity that a child assumes, influenced both by their parents' culture and the culture in which they are raised."

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Is Competition a Biblical Value?

One Sunday morning in the church where I pastored, a family came to me and shared how some of their friends had left our church to go to another church: a "competitor church". They were completely distracted by their news. Does the Bible encourage us to compete with fellow believers? Is there such a thing as a competitor church?

Read more...

Deny Yourself: My Story of Self-Denial & Abundant Life

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” -Mark 8:34

I still remember the moment I heard the words of Mark 8, grasping their significance for the first time. Sitting amongst peers while at university – I was largely preoccupied by ambition and my pursuit of excellence.

I didn’t know a lot back then about what it means to follow Jesus, but I did know Jesus as the Saviour who pulls little children closer, drowning out harshness with His greatness. His hands had sheltered my heart throughout my youth and brought along gifts of companionship, discipleship, and understanding. I felt cherished by Jesus and it was his inordinate compassion towards me that kept me tethered to Him. 

Deny - the word sprang out at me, convicting and exposing me. 

What did that mean? 

I was well positioned to pursue the American Dream and succeed at it, and denying myself in any way was not really part of the plan. So tangibly struck, I fumbled to respond to those words within our group, finally landing on, “I don’t think I’m doing that”. 

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” -Mark 8:35

Oh boy, somehow denying myself was connected to losing my life and that was not anywhere on my to-do list. I was on track for a comfortable life, full of all the perks of a first-world society, with no regard for the reality that no one avoids suffering anyway...

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Ministry at the Speed of Relationships

Building relationships is the first and foremost thing we should be about - everything else comes out of relationships. Building relationships with people from other cultures is so important, as humor; lifestyle; values; and beliefs are so different to ours, and don’t translate well. Living next to, and working with other nationalities, requires relationship.

Jesus taught us that building relationships is the greatest and most important thing we do - no strings attached.

So, how do we build Christ-honoring relationships in our life & ministry? In this article, Paul draws on wisdom from the Bible, underscoring the importance of humility, forgiveness, trust, and genuine care in developing deep and meaningful relationships. And he challenges us, first and foremost, to approach ministry (and life) at the "speed of relationships!"

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The Bittersweet of Travelling as an Adult TCK

Over the last year, I took more flights than I ever have within a single year. I’ve had more time to be in these liminal spaces than ever before. As an adult TCK (Third Culture Kid), this has invited me to reflect more deeply on why I am where I am in the world, and how that continues to shape my identity. In these spaces I momentarily re-enter into the journey of transition and grief.

In this article, Malik shares about his recent travels, and offers advice on how to process complex feelings while traveling and staying connected to multiple cultures.

 

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Risk-taking in the Canadian Wilderness

What first came to mind when I was invited to the “Canadian wilderness” to help lead a Wilderness Camp for adult third culture kids (ATCKs) this past July was the book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.  

All spring I relished these thoughts: an adventure of “humans against the elements” with a group of young adult TCKs and ATCK co-leaders who “got it.” Overcoming challenges together is a great way to bond quickly, and with other ATCKs, I knew those bonds could form quickly in the right setting. Having grown up in the mountains of Vermont and in the highlands of Kenya, hiking, camping, paddling, and climbing in wild places is revitalizing to me. 

We were headed into all the key elements of adventure: horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking in the mountains where elk, moose, and grizzly bears roamed, living in tents that had just been resurrected after a literal crushing storm. In between, we would split wood and help with cooking, and immerse ourselves in outdoor life—axe throwing and bonfires, outhouses (let’s be real) and camp cooking, fast changing weather, and the sweetest air you could imagine. For me, that kind of life isn’t about a contest so much as it is about finding harmony with elements that can give wonderful gifts and can also kill you. Risk in its essence...

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Wilderness ReBoot: What to Expect

Designed for adult MKs (Missionary Kids) seeking a deep encounter with God amidst the beauty of the Canadian back country wilderness, Wilderness ReBoot is a co-ed retreat for MKs (Missionary Kids) ages 21-35 willing to be challenged physically and spiritually, while deepening their relationship with God by seeking His direction in their lives. 

Benjamin Reed, the Program Director for Wilderness ReBoot shares the purpose behind the retreat and a behind-the-scenes look at what you can expect. 

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Updates & Reflections from My Trip to India

Paul shares stories, updates and reflections from his recent trip to India. God is at work!

Read more...

Wilderness ReBoot: Solitude, Community & Mission

Ben shares about how his love for the wilderness first started, and gives insight into what adult MKs (Missionary Kids) can expect at Wilderness ReBoot. 

Read more...

Adult Third Culture Kid Research: The Heart Behind the Research
This summer, we had the privilege of connecting with Shelly Lyons about her research on Adult Third Culture Kids. Listen in to hear more about the “heart” behind the research and her big picture dreams for how it will b...
Read more...
Is Competition a Biblical Value?
One Sunday morning in the church where I pastored, a family came to me and shared how some of their friends had left our church to go to another church: a "competitor church". They were completely distracted by their ne...
Read more...
Deny Yourself: My Story of Self-Denial & Abundant Life
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” -Mark 8:34 I still remember the moment I heard the words of Mark 8, grasping their significance for the first time. Si...
Read more...
Ministry at the Speed of Relationships
Building relationships is the first and foremost thing we should be about - everything else comes out of relationships. Building relationships with people from other cultures is so important, as humor; lifestyle; values...
Read more...
The Bittersweet of Travelling as an Adult TCK
Over the last year, I took more flights than I ever have within a single year. I’ve had more time to be in these liminal spaces than ever before. As an adult TCK (Third Culture Kid), this has invited me to reflect more ...
Read more...
Risk-taking in the Canadian Wilderness
What first came to mind when I was invited to the “Canadian wilderness” to help lead a Wilderness Camp for adult third culture kids (ATCKs) this past July was the book  Hatchet  by Gary Paulsen.   All spring I reli...
Read more...
Wilderness ReBoot: What to Expect
Designed for adult MKs (Missionary Kids) seeking a deep encounter with God amidst the beauty of the Canadian back country wilderness, Wilderness ReBoot is a co-ed retreat for MKs (Missionary Kids) ages 21-35 willing to ...
Read more...
Updates & Reflections from My Trip to India
Paul shares stories, updates and reflections from his recent trip to India. God is at work!
Read more...
Wilderness ReBoot: Solitude, Community & Mission
Ben shares about how his love for the wilderness first started, and gives insight into what adult MKs (Missionary Kids) can expect at Wilderness ReBoot. 
Read more...
The Busyness of an MK (Missionary Kid)
I love airports. The hustle and bustle. People of every nationality streaming past me. The endless possibilities of flights to every corner of the world. As an adult now, I can admit that in trying to get my f...
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