MISSION MONTH REFLECTION: WEARING A CULTURE, REMEMBERING THE UNREACHED

For the past three weeks, you might have noticed something unusual—our two reverends have not been wearing the usual clerical shirt and collar. Instead, you’ve seen us in batik or Filipino formal shirts. Some of you asked, “Wah, Pastor, you look different today, what’s up?” And my response has been, “This is Mission Month!”

I don’t know exactly what each person registers in their mind when I say that, but I hope it becomes a clear sign and a living reminder: we are called to remember the unreached people groups. Some of you even encouraged us, “Pastor, you look good in these shirts, wear them every week!”

Next week is our last week of Mission Month, and I’m proposing that everyone joins in—wear something that reflects a different nation or culture. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; even a simple scarf, accessory, or shirt can remind us of those who have not yet heard the Gospel.

Why do we do this? Because it is deeply biblical. John 1:14 tells us:

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.”

Jesus, the Creator of the universe, humbled Himself to take on our human form and to enter into our culture. Specifically, He became a Jew. In doing so, He showed us what grace and truth look like, embodied in real life.

Likewise, if we are to reach the unreached, we must enter their world, speak their language, and appreciate their culture—so that they can see and understand our God who humbly dwelt among us. This is not just about clothing; it is about cultivating a heart that, like Christ, is willing to cross barriers for the sake of love.

There are still over 40% of the world’s population who have yet to hear the Good News of Christ.[1] Some of these unreached people have even come to our doorstep as migrant workers. Let us continue to live the love of Christ to them, reach out to them, and be a light that points them to Jesus.

As we enter our final Sunday of Mission Month next week, let each of us come wearing something that reflects a different nation or people group.

·       A scarf, a shirt, a piece of fabric—something visible that represents a culture.

·       It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate—just intentional.

And let’s live out that visual symbolism in real ways:

·       Speak with warmth and care to someone new.

·       Offer hospitality to someone from another culture.

·       Pray for them, love them, and help them experience the light of Christ.

Let’s serve not out of corporate duty but out of genuine affection—always ready with a helping hand, always ready to sit at someone’s table, always ready to be a family in Christ.

Remember, next Sunday, wear that cultural piece proudly. Let it be a living reminder: We aren’t just here to gather. We’re here to reach. Let’s remain a church that’s real, warm, and truly hot for God’s glory.

Being His missional disciple,

Pastor Forest

[1] Global Frontier Missions | A Missionary Training Org.