“It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.” Psalm 74:17 NIV
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” Acts 17:26 NIV
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9a NIV
The Lord has sovereignly decreed and foreordained all things, whether it’s the shifting of seasons or defining boundaries and borders from where cultural distinctions and national identities emerge. The scope and scale of His foreknowledge is simply unfathomable. Yet, His omniscience is also so intimate that it includes me—my origins, cultural background, familial upbringing, and ultimately, my coming to saving faith in Christ and being counted among the multitude standing before the Lamb.
I was born in Manila, the capital of the island nation known as the Philippines🇵🇭. I take great pride in my heritage and the story the Lord has given me—the story of an immigrant. I was only 10 months old during my first stint in America when my mom did her nursing residency. After a few years back in the Philippines, my parents underwent the visa process and applied to move to America permanently when I was nearly 4 years old.
Not being considered a first-generation American brought a sense of displacement, not that I didn’t find a place to belong, but rather it was like this deep-rooted feeling of sojourning. I spent a chunk of my childhood in Fremont, which was (and still is) a cultural melting pot like various other cities in the San Francisco Bay Area. All my close friends lived on my street: a Mexican boy named Ricky, a blonde Italian boy named Matt, and an Indian boy also named Ricky. We were a mixed bag of rascals akin to the characters of the film The Sandlot, though our preferred game was basketball.
During 4th grade (year 5 in the UK), my parents decided to move to a small town called Danville, nestled in the Tri-Valley area, about 20 miles Southeast of Berkeley and Oakland. It was still somewhat diverse, with a significant Asian population, many with Hispanic and mixed-race backgrounds, but a predominantly white town.
Over those years living in the East Bay Area, I have seen racism veer its ugly head, sometimes in unexpected ways and from people you wouldn’t anticipate. It ranged from shopkeepers to neighbors to classmates and even family of close friends. Regardless of the challenges of multiculturalism and social cohesion, my parents were a shining example of what it looked like to work hard while simultaneously retaining their ethnic identity and assimilating into American culture.
That is what is meant by “melting pot,” after all—the mixing and melding of various cultures to form something new. Our unique qualities and differences can be acknowledged and valued, but what I find missing is its pairing with the equally valid emphasis of what we all hold in common cross-culturally. Assimilation can forget the former, and multiculturalism neglects the latter. When these opposite views clash, the question of citizenship as it relates to individual and collective identity enters the fray. Save for my youngest brother, who was born in America, I and the rest of my family didn’t become US citizens until much later.
Cross-Cultural Ministry and the Intercultural Church
The UK has been a new chapter in that same unfolding story once again involving immigration. I remember when Steph and I were preparing to launch into the mission field as first-time missionaries. We had regular check-ins with a cultural coach in Exeter (England) and progressed through a cross-cultural living and ministry course facilitated by Wheaton College. We read books like “Watching the English” by Kate Fox and “The Culture Map” by Erin Meyer, both of which we highly recommend.
From our small and slow beginnings in Oxford to our current assignment in Birmingham, we’ve had the honor of continuing to learn and grow in our cross-cultural awareness. We’re grateful that Steve and the leadership at Christ Church Birmingham (CCB) have consistently offered opportunities to further educate leaders and laypersons alike in cross-cultural training.
Have you ever considered becoming a cross-cultural missionary?
Many are familiar with the term multicultural or multiculturalism, but very few have heard, much less are familiar with the term intercultural. We encountered the concept during our first year of on-field training, which occurred every 6 weeks with our former Missions Org. One of our lecturers was a man called Dr. Martin Robinson, a church planter and missiologist who gave us insights into some of the cultural makeup and developing trends in the UK as it relates to the Church.
Intercultural refers to the interaction between people from different cultural backgrounds, where there is an emphasis on mutual appreciation and celebration of cultural differences, including communication, practices, traditions, and values. Now, before discussing intercultural churches, let’s look at examples of how people across different sectors and walks of life may encounter the term or concept:
Intercultural Leadership - focuses on harmonizing perspectives across cultures and coming together in a collective endeavor toward common goals or shared objectives. Any differences or variances in perspectives or practices are acknowledged, harmonized, and celebrated as a source of strength. This form of leadership necessitates an active dynamic of mutual respect, an interplay of empathy and adaptability, and the constant flow of shared understanding.
Intercultural Communication - focuses on how people from different cultures exchange information, interpret messages, and understand one another while considering the influences of their respective cultures. This form of communication acknowledges the relevance of cultural and linguistic differences in interactions across cultures.
What’s the difference between a multicultural and intercultural church?
The difference between multicultural and intercultural churches is that the latter doesn’t just focus on the presence of multiple cultures but also on their active engagement and the reciprocation between them. We’ve always understood that the presence of diversity can lead to innovation and the sustained efforts of pioneering new work, especially in ministry, where, as a fellowship, we all have a common goal—the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). I spoke briefly about intercultural churches in our article Nations at our Doorstep and have found our recent rounds of cross-cultural training helpful in developing new thinking, implementation, and appropriation of particular tools, like the chart depicted below.
Where does your church land on this intercultural competency assessment?
Chart developed by Dr. Ken Baker from Serve In Mission (SIM)
Although multiculturalism as a deeply embedded ideology in the UK is quite a sensitive topic to navigate, much less discuss, CCB has demonstrated a high competency and desire for further growth as an intercultural expression of the Church.
*An article about the topic is forthcoming, which I pray will both initiate and help facilitate the conversation.
If you’re wondering where I would place our former church in Oxford on this intercultural competency assessment, it would be:
Ethos, Worship, & Leadership = Club 1
Fellowship & Friendship = Awakened 3
Discipleship = Open 2
What are we bringing to the table?
Although my capacities are limited as Steph fights each day toward recovery, we are focused on serving in cross-cultural ministry in the ways the Lord has gifted us. From time to time, our Sending Team has asked how our involvement and contributions are unique, so it’s always helpful to regularly reflect on the ways the Lord has worked in and through our ministry:
Leadership & Coaching
Over the years, the Lord has given me a myriad of experiences within ministry that have increased my leadership capacity, refined wisdom and cultivated collaboration. I’ve learned a great deal from being part of the staff at CCB, as it has given me opprtunities to engage in:
Pastoral Leadership/Partnership, where I have a voice, can initiate ideas, offer input, and speak into collective decision making.
Ministry Partnership Development (MPD), where I can support and provide coaching—recommendations for best practices, approaching appeals, and relaying marketing/comms ideas.
Praying together into various aspects of church life and over the larger church planting movement known as Birmingham & Beyond.
Preaching
With the exception of affirmations we have received, I don’t know the full breadth of how the Lord has used my involvement in preaching to help, inspire, and encourage others in their own preaching. It’s also been an honor to serve as a think tank to prayerfully generate ideas for sermon series.
We have some less-seasoned preachers on our team, so in addition to meeting and giving guidance, I have also offered support in the form of written guides to lead newer preachers through the process of exegesis, hermeneutics, general preparation, outlining, and writing their sermons.
*Worth noting that during my time at Oxford, where I was part of a preaching group called theSpurgeons, I heard murmurs from newer ministers about the lack of guidance given by senior leadership and how a written guide would go a long way with those they were seeking to raise up.
Worshiping
Worship has been a fantastic opportunity to use some accumulated skills to serve the Lord at CCB. Whether introducing different genres or cultural styles of music, increasing the intensity of vocal melodies, or incorporating more musicality, I strive to contribute something unique to the team.
I’m currently working on different aspects of arrangement and music direction, focusing on interactivity, leading others deeper into worship, and developing other singers and musicians who have shown an interest in worship.
Studying & Theological Thinking
Bible Study has always been a central focus in my walk with the Lord, and it has helped me tremendously as a minister in a cross-cultural context. Whenever it comes up, I love to dialogue and provide guidance about methods of exegesis and the art and science of hermeneutics.
Steph and I have discussed plans to create curriculums ranging from topics such as Spiritual Warfare, Discovering Spiritual Gifts, and (Seminary/Bible College) Study Methods for the layperson/everyday churchgoer.
Praying
By the grace of God, my family prays daily. We pray over our home, around the dining table, during homeschool, upon waking and heading to bed, in the car, while we’re out and about, at the Food Pantry, throughout Steph’s rehab—communing with, lamenting to, worshiping, and seeking guidance and deeper relationship with the Lord and His people.
We fervently pray that we will have eyes to see the opportunities that arise in daily life and be missional, relational, and loving. The Lord prompts us to intercede for people throughout the week, which usually involves reaching out to them or meeting with them to check in and get updates.
Reading & Sharing
Steph is an avid bookworm who reads like most people doom scroll on social media. She has always loved books and loves sharing theological insights from her reading. She is planning a book club with other women, which will hopefully create a space for relationships and open dialogue on a variety of topics.
Since my time has been reduced, I usually spend most of it reading the Bible and journaling. The Lord regularly illuminates something, and I seek to share it with others when prompted.
Design & Social Media
I’ve learned how to use a UK-specific web platform (which is very different from Squarespace or WordPress) and gotten into some web design for Birmingham & Beyond. I’ve also had a few requests to design flyers and logos.
A logo I designed for one of our ministry partners.
Steph has worked in social media marketing/affiliation and is very well-versed in how to leverage Instagram for ministry.
Photography & Videography
Steph and I excel at expressing our creativity through visual arts, specifically through a camera. Photography was my Minor at University, and Steph was a long-time freelance photographer before we entered into full-time ministry. She is looking to use this expertise in ministry-specific settings when she fully recovers.
We’ve also collaborated to shoot photos and videos (for MPD newsletters and video updates).
Writing
Although it’s harder to find blocks of quiet, uninterrupted time, Steph and I love to write, especially with the aim to help others come to know the God that we love (who first loved us—1 John 4:19). We desire to know Jesus and make Him known to others even amidst trials and personal hardships.
We have been encouraged by how the Lord has used the words He’s given us to write to lift up others as our articles have been passed along and testimonies shared have brought us to tears.
Ministering & Helps
Through charitable work (Food Pantry), the Lord has provided many notable interactions, such as when the Lord has given me something specific to share with individuals or prompted me to offer prayer and serve in some way.
As a man of God, I have been equipped by the Lord to engage with working-class men, men living in HMOs, fathers, and university-age students.
Food Pantry this week!
Notable Interactions
Please join us in prayer and praise over each of these growing connections, interactions, and points of engagement.
Abdul-Raoof
I met a young Muslim family who moved to Birmingham from London a few weeks back. During the interaction, the wife pleaded with me to help her husband, Abdul-Raoof, find work. I offered to help him build a resume (CV) and make applications for jobs online.
Terry
An older white British man from Stoke-on-Trent who is currently living in a temporary accommodation. After opening up about spiritual matters and receiving prayer, he asked to connect with our social worker to seek help in accessing different services in Birmingham.
Stevie & Ash
The day after I learned about the passing of one of my closest friends, Abel, I met these two white British men at the Food Pantry. They live in the same HMO (House in multiple occupancy), and I hadn’t seen them come in before. I could tell that Stevie, in particular, had some stuff on his chest, and little did I know Ash had long encouraged him to open up and that he should take advantage of talking to a minister.
Stevie, who is the same age as my friend Abel, shared that he almost took his own life that night before. He showed me a photo of his daughter, whom he lost custody of when he became homeless. I took him into the church hall to listen attentively to his story. There, I offered counsel and prayer. He mentioned that the local support he has received has been insufficient, and he often feels isolated and alone.
Ruth, Daisy, & John
Daisy is an older woman from Sri Lanka who I have gotten to know through CCB and the Food Pantry. Her husband, John, is a retired Reverand from Nigeria, and their daughter, Ruth, has been separated from her husband for two years. I prayed with Ruth on two separate occasions, and she later shared that her husband has started reaching back out to her on his own accord.
The kids and I recently shared a meal with Daisy, and Ruth is planning on coming to CCB soon. We’re all actively praying that her husband will come to a saving faith in Jesus.
Daisy with Roo and AJ.
Bibarg
A former university student from Pakistan who was recently baptized at CCB. He comes from a devout Muslim family, and as a result of his new faith, his parents not only cut him off financially, but they have repeatedly threatened his life! He has recently switched over to an Asylum Seeker status and, with an exception put on file, has found steady work in the form of two part-time jobs.
His work schedule is often unpredictable, so it’s harder to set aside time, but the Lord has compelled me to maintain a discipleship relationship with him.
Shaq
A British-born Jamaican guy who sometimes does our grocery deliveries. Ever since the COVID lockdowns in the UK, delivery services have been used for local groceries and other essential businesses. Over the course of several months, I’ve gotten to know Shaq through our brief interactions. We’ve talked about family, and I found out he lives in Walsall near Redemption Hill (RH).
I’ve started to discuss social and spiritual matters with him and offered prayer on the spot. We recently exchanged contact information, and I plan to connect him with Coral and his team at RH.
Ann, Kerry, & Mary
Last December I had an opportunity to pray over an elderly woman called Ann, who is Mary’s daughter Kerry’s nan (grandma on her dad’s side). She had been rushed to the ER (in the UK it’s called A&E). I began sharing the Gospel as the Holy Spirit dictated, and Kerry was brought to tears, expressing her gratitude to have someone comforting her nan.
Ann made a full recovery and was transported back to a convalescent home, where she was able to celebrate her birthday and Christmas. Mary just informed me a few days ago that Ann passed away peacefully in her sleep. We talked about supporting Kerry’s bereavement and how love perseveres through the stages of grief.
GIVING
If you’ve been following our updates and other content, please consider setting up recurring support or giving a one-time gift to our mission.
Even a small monthly amount can go a long way to help us sustain our mission. All charitable donations given to our ministry are tax-deductible.
*Coastlands Community Church has graciously allowed us to use their giving platform to cover Christ Church Birmingham UK expenses to have me as part of their diverse staff.
*Gateway Leadership Initiative (GLI) handles our general ministry, charitable work, and church planting fund. We are accountable to their funding parameters, which are based on / structured from mission organizations like Greater Europe Mission and others.
*We are praying over a new focus city and are beginning to develop a plan, establish partnerships with other planting networks, and faithfully continue the process of training and development.
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