OC Blog Digest: This is Our Story

We are delighted, in this next season of blog articles, to share stories with you! Stories from our family of ministries, stories from our team members and networks, but most of all, stories of God at work!

In this blog digest you will find many stories, including

• a story from an adult TCK (Third Culture Kid) who shares about his recent travels (and offers advice on how to process complex feelings while traveling and staying connected to multiple cultures!)
• a story from an OC Team Member whose family opened their home to a refugee family (and how Jesus makes space for us!) 
• a story from our Executive Director about his experience discerning God's will in his own life (and 5 Simple Checks you can apply to your own life!) 
• and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the special commissioning service at the OC retreat which happened earlier this month. 

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 ... Read More

Space-makers

We have a couple of empty bedrooms in our house. At one time they were occupied by our kids, but for the last few years they’ve sat empty except when they’ve been temporarily occupied by visiting family or friends. A quick change of sheets, dust and vacuum, lay out fresh towels and the rooms are ready for the next occupants.

Recently we’ve been preparing these rooms again—but we’re not exactly sure when their new occupants are coming, nor when they’re leaving. They are coming to Canada for an indefinite period—homeless because of violent conflict in their home country that has driven them, along with many others, to search for a place of greater stability and safety. They are staying with us until they can find more permanent housing—but in a tight, expensive housing market that could mean days, weeks, or months.

As carefully as we are making preparations for these ones to join us, it pales in comparison to the careful preparations that Jesus assures us he is making for us … Read More

5 Simple Checks for Discerning the Will of God

Discerning God’s voice in our world today can be challenging. With so many voices and distractions, how do we discern the will of God in our lives? Craig Kraft, OC’s Executive Director, shares his personal experiences of receiving life-changing calls from God, and offers five simple checks to help readers discern the path God is calling them to follow ... Read More

OC Director's Blog: May 2023

In our May Director's Blog, Executive Director, Dr. Craig Kraft, shares about the OC staff retreat that took place the first week of May. He also shares about the Leader-SHIFT team and reflects on the special commissioning service as he prepares to take on the new role of Director for Global Collaboration with the OC Global Alliance.  ... Read More