Stephen Wilke
Why Mission Year?
Hey there,
My name is Stephen Wilke. I’m originally from Columbus, NE, but I’ve spent most of the past 4 years of my life at Caltech in Pasadena, CA. I’m a chemical engineer by trade, I love good Mexican food, and my dream vacation is a backpacking trip in the middle of nowhere.
I have been thinking about doing Mission Year for almost two years now, ever since God unsettled a lot of the “comfort” in my life and challenged me to try to serve the poor in the way the Bible actually talks about. Since then, He has been working in my heart to really love people, especially when it’s hard. Most of my time has been spent loving and leading a small Christian fellowship on my campus, through which I have been tremendously blessed.
I’m doing MY for quite a few reasons. The more I think about it, most of it simply has to do with learning. My goal is not so much to be “productive” by some measure of ministry effectiveness. I just feel I have a lot to grow in. God has proven Himself faithful through so many promises and transformations in my life these past 4 years, yet I still have more to learn (and always will, thankfully).
What to learn? How to live with people who are VERY different than me, people I probably wouldn’t normally pick for roommates. And not just live with them, but see what unique part of the Body they are, and encourage and spur them on in their gifts, even if their way of doing things is not how I would do them. Also, to live among the urban poor. To let go of the sneaky security that I hold onto: financially, physically, socially. That security is sneaky because usually it doesn’t seem bad, but really it gets in the way of ultimate dependence on God.
One of the clearest scriptures that explains my hope for this year is John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus is so amazing… He came and dwelt among us, and He calls us to follow Him.
I can’t promise I will blog much. I’m not a big fan of blogs. If I do, I hope to offer some scripture to think about; it’s one of my favorite things to frame my journal entries.
About Mission Year
Mission Year is a year long urban ministry program focused on Christian service and discipleship. We take teams of young people, place them in an area of need, and help them to serve people and create community. We are committed to the command of Jesus to “love God and love people,” by placing the needs of our neighbors first and developing committed disciples of Christ with a heart for the poor. Learn more about our first year program…
Stephen Wilke's Blog
May Thy Servant Depart in Peace / Sep 3, 04:15 PM
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
— Luke 3:29-32
I am about to depart for the second time, and today this verse rings in my heart. My first departure was when I graduated from Caltech two and a half months ago. The last night I spent with our fellowship there and the last moments I shared with close friends made my heart ache. I did not want to leave. I felt at home, alive, and empowered to live as the person God has made me. I felt… home. Ironically enough, I was leaving that place of close friendship and discipleship to go home, my real home, back with my parents and sister for the summer until Mission Year started.
I remember the last meeting of our Christian fellowship on campus before I left. The graduates-to-be each took a turn sharing their advice, wisdom, exhortation, or song. I don’t remember specifically what I said, but I remember the feeling on my heart – a deep love for all those in the room. I loved my fellow seniors who had walked the journey with me. I loved the frosh and smores whom I had discipled and poured my life into. And it was both breaking my heart to leave, but bringing me such joy to be with them all and recall the great works that God had worked the past year. Then they all prayed for us seniors, and I specifically remember what a close friend and mentor of mine prayed: “Lord, that thy servants may depart in peace.”
Now as I prepare to leave home for Chicago, I’m reflecting back on what I thought would be a stale, undefined season of feeling lost. (I did not have very high hopes for the summer. Rather, I just felt like I was moving into oblivion after being at college.) Yet God has brought me rest this summer. He has also brought me community, love, and new discoveries of my parents and family. So, I am packing to leave for Chicago and again, as I feel my heart both break and rejoice, I can still feel the prayer, “That thy servant may depart in peace.” It isn’t so much that God does not offer me peace about these painful transitions. I just don’t do a great job of taking it. His promises are sure, and His word to me is true.
So today this is my prayer. Lord, help me to trust that your work for this season has been accomplished. As you move me into this next season, may I leave at peace that which is behind. Not forgetfully, but trusting that in You all things hold together, including the things to which my heart was bound. Help me to keep focus on what You put before me, and carry peace knowing You follow behind where I have been.
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