A Tapestry of Love

International Ministries hosted an All Staff Gathering (ASG) in July. An event that only happens every ten years, the ASG was an opportunity to talk about the past, present, and future stories of IM. The theme was “Woven Together” and was artistically represented by a tapestry designed by David Reed. Each day of the conference, more ribbons of various colors were woven together.

This collaborative art project represented the theme verse from Colossians 2:2-3 (The Message):

“I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery. All of the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else.”

Weaving Past, Present, Future Stories Together

The weaving began with historical names written on strips of ribbon: George and Hannah Liele (1782), Adoniram and Ann Judson (1814), Charlotte Atlee White Rowe (1815), Lott Carey (1821), Joanna Moore (1863), L.C. Flemming (1887). These names in addition to numerous others were chosen to represent IM’s 210 years of mission legacy.

Then, each person present at the All Staff Gathering was invited to write their name on a ribbon and to add it to the tapestry. Colleagues were also invited to add the names of global servants and staff who have retired or died. As the week progressed, additional ribbons representing vocation and ministry were added.

While the shorter ribbons were representing individual stories, a long blue, purple, and red piece of cloth were woven in to represent God’s faithfulness (blue), the royal priesthood of Christ (purple), and the fire & passion of the Holy Spirit (red).

Finally, on the last day, participants were asked to write a prayer or hope for IM on a small tag and these were added to the tapestry.

Healing Through Our Stories

As one might imagine, being “woven together” is often layered, messy, and complicated! Honoring the vulnerability and authenticity of each story is not always held well. But Paul reminds us that when we lean into community that is grounded in love, we lean into the mystery of Christ which allows us to have access to wisdom and knowledge beyond our human limitations.

Did you know that when we share our stories with another person with authenticity, compassion, and integrity, we begin to heal the pieces of our brains that have been fragmented by brokenness and trauma? When we have a community where we are seen and known, we begin to heal on multiple levels. Choosing to be woven together leads to transformation!

Weaving Your Story with Ours

It is a joy and an honor to continue in our role as the Global Coordinators for Spiritual Care with International Ministries. We look forward to building on the theme of “Woven Together” as we provide self-care, soul care, and community care initiatives for our colleagues in the months to come. Thank you for walking beside us on this journey. Thank you for weaving your story with ours!