By the end of the day on May 29th, the hallways of CLHS are nearly empty and MUCH quieter. After the hustle of daily classes, deadlines, sports events, drama productions, choir concerts, and more, there is certainly a shift in pace when the last bell rings at the end of the school year. This year, my personal time of rest at the start of summer began differently than usual, with a 13-hour plane flight to Tokyo with my sister to visit friends in southeast Asia. Throughout the course of two weeks, we were not only able to experience rest from our typical routines, but also celebrated the vocations of others across the globe.
In Tokyo, we were blessed to connect with a fellow Lutheran church member. She walked us through a Buddhist temple, explaining differences between Christianity and Buddhism and giving us new insights into what mission and ministry look like in Japan. Following our time in Japan, my sister and I were also blessed to connect with a friend serving at Concordia Middle and High School in Taiwan. We were amazed by the hospitality and love of the community members as they shared Taiwanese culture with us. Some faculty and friends of the school even hosted a cooking class, teaching us how to make traditional pork dumplings. Overall, it was also a joy to witness the ministry of my friend who teaches at Concordia, and to meet some of the 2000+ students who attend this Lutheran school! Even beyond our time witnessing the vocation of individuals at the school, we were able to see God’s presence throughout the community. From shop owners who chatted with us and kindly shared gifts, to a mountaintop tea farmer who welcomed us into his home, we were surrounded by people who found joy in their work and shared that joy with us.
In the hustle of our everyday lives, it is easy to overlook God’s quiet presence in all things. This 2-week glimpse into communities in Japan and Taiwan was a great reminder of the vocational work being done in communities not just in Southeast Asia, but all over the world. This same all-surrounding presence of God is true in Fort Wayne. Personally, it is easy for me to forget that my vocation is not exclusive to my time in the classroom. While it is wonderful to focus on our vocations as teachers, students, parents, etc., our work as the body of Christ extends to all areas of our lives. 1 Corinthians 10:31 reads, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Our mission and ministry can (and should) extend beyond the classroom and home. Here in Fort Wayne, I have witnessed and experienced ministry moments in coffee shops, at the grocery store, at the farmer’s market, during conversations after church, and more.
This surrounding presence of God is a great reminder of this past school year’s theme verse: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Hebrews 12:1-3). What a joy that we can celebrate the cloud of witnesses, both throughout the Fort Wayne community and the world. We are not left on our own to endure, but are given support by the body of Christ in all vocations. May we all continue to celebrate God’s presence in our time both in and out of the classroom!
God’s blessings on your time of rest and your shift in pace,
Hannah Mundt