True North Missionaries Journal

French for “Yes”
pronounced as “We” in English.

Every day I pass by this bright yellow poster on my way to class. It’s an advertisement for people who need help with French, by providing them with assistance and classes given at Concordia University. The ad says:

“Interested in learning French? OUI can help!”

I read it everytime I passed by the advertisement. I would chuckle to myself each time, amazed by how clever it is! The first few times, I read it clearly for my amusement. Then I started to ask myself, why was I so compelled to re-read this advertisement every time even though I knew what it said. It was only the past week when I realized why this line was so powerful.

The power of “OUI”

In English this would translate to: The power of “YES”.
So I’ve been contemplating on the word “YES” and the idea that surrounds the word we so often say but do not realize how important it is.

As I searched the definition of “Yes” on Google, the first thing that popped up was:

EXCLAMATION.
An affirmative response.

Then I thought to myself:
Whenever I say “Yes” do I exclaimed it?
Do I mean it?
Do I embody it?
Do I even know what I’m saying!!!

Then I realized that when I am called to say “Yes” it is only for important things!

The power of “WE”

I found it interesting how every time I say “OUI” (Yes) I am also saying “WE”.

“WE” encompasses all, encompasses us, encompasses community.

I realized that my “OUI” also includes “WE”!

Whenever I say “OUI” to my friends, I am saying yes to the value of “WE”.
The importance of our friendship.

Whenever I say “OUI” to my family, I am saying yes to the value of “WE”.
The importance of family.

Whenever I say “OUI” to service, I am saying yes to the value of “WE”.
The importance of the community.

Whenever I say “OUI” to God, I am saying yes to the value of “WE”.
The importance of my relationship with Christ.

I don’t say “Maybe”
I don’t say “Let me think about it”
I don’t say “If there’s no one else”

I say “OUI” because I value the urgency in the “WE” that I share with God.

” OUI can help!”
Includes diversity instead of division.

In Montreal we have been challenged by the division of language between the English and the French. However, this statement simply and beautifully recognizes the possibility of both.

In Religion we have been challenged by the division of practices, traditions and beliefs.
However, this statement simply and beautifully recognizes how our “OUI” to our faith should in fact recognize our “WE” as human beings, therefore making us all sons and daughters of God.

I was speaking to a brother the other day and he reminded me of
God’s two important commandments.

To love God.
To love others.

Therefore,

Let our “OUI!” EXCLAIM our “WE!”

(Let our ‘yes’ for loving God EXCLAIM our ‘unity’ in Ioving others!)

Amen! 🙂

“You will never regret doing the right thing” – Christina Potusek

7 Identities: A missionary, a model of excellence, champion of the poor, a patriot, 100% free, single-minded for God, source of unity in the family.

Core Values: Pro-God, Pro-Family, Pro-Life, Pro-Poor.

Can’t go wrong with that.

 

A few days ago, one of the Chapters in Hamilton Area were having a service meeting for an upcoming camp for May 24-26. Kuya Gelo, Ellen, and Kevin were there, and as we were discussing the plans for this weekend’s HLT, one of chapter heads mentioned that he will not be able to make it anymore because he was going away for the weekend, last minute, for a family trip. I said it would be okay because Kevin would be there so he can take over as the Team Leader. Suddenly, Kuya Gelo said, “It’s okay! Leave it to Kevin and Erin. Kevin and Erin will just lead!”

At that point, Kev and I both looked at each other and began to discuss when we were both available, keeping in mind that the HLT was in 3 days. As we slowly discussed our schedules, we realized that we had absolutely no time to plan together and coordinate except for 2 hours (at the most) the day before the HLT. We then laughed because we realized how ridiculous that is, but we entrusted it all to the Lord, having faith that this will still be okay and that it is all a piece or a part of the plan.

Having gone through the HLT today, I was affirmed of this. People who haven’t been able to attend as often were able to make it, and after the 2 sessions, the discussion groups were so deep and we even shared a couple tears. It actually even felt like a mini household because everyone really opened their hearts and affirmed and supported one another through all the victories and challenges. It was a breath of fresh air, or rather, a breath of God’s air (haha) because He made me realize that although I was gone for a while, He is always there and He is always going to continue to build. One member who attended also later posted a message on Facebook saying that it was the best HLT he has been to.

Now, when I look back at it, it makes me laugh. The way this all happened was because of “last minute” changes. Our Chapter Head had to leave for a last minute trip with his family for the weekend. And then another member also helped out last minute to be our Music Min. And at the end of the day, everyone was able to grow, and more importantly, they grew with God and with His presence in others in the room. And even RYC was another “last minute” moment for me. I had to leave for a last minute trip with my family as well, and I was so worried because I would be leaving in the last week of prep for RYC as a Competitions Committee Head, leaving the Committee and my counterpart alone for a week. I then hoped that I would be able to return on time to catch even just a bit of RYC, but I didn’t. I was really worried, but when I came back, I found joy in hearing all the victories of the event and many individuals who truly found God throughout the whole event. It was an even bigger blessing to hear that even service team was able to enjoy and experience God moments as well (which we all know is very rare when you’re a leading/ serving in service team).

With me being gone for a while and also having to leave again soooo last minute with the family, and with our Chapter Head having to leave so last minute as well, then being thrown an event to lead and prepare for within 3 days with only 2 hours to plan, and then having nothing less than success in all these events/ areas, it became such an affirmation that the Lord is here.

What He made me realize is truly just that. HE is here. Not me. Not Kev. Not our Chapter Head. OUR GOD is here. The “last minute” changes are the very things that God used in my life to help me grow and understand. He helped me grow in a sense that I stopped worrying so much, and He helped me understand that it is not the person leading or guiding that matters. We are mere vessels of His love and His work on earth, the same way Jesus was the vessel in which He walked, talked, and breathed and entered into this world. The same way He used His Son as a vessel of His love, He will use every person to their full potential in the PERFECT times at the PERFECT moments and in the PERFECT places because HE IS PERFECT. Therefore, we musn’t worry when “plans change” because they were never ours in the first place; they are His. And whether I am to be used as His vessel at that time or not, it doesn’t matter because I trust and believe that whoever or whatever He uses, he or she or whatever it may be will bring perfection because they are bringing God at His best… because they are chosen.