As some of you know, I love books. There are several people here who can testify to that because they helped me pack and move (carry) my books - Gerco, Reyn, Joy, Scott, Yucan, Yen, etc. And so it is only fitting that the metaphor that I keep coming back to as I am thinking about this transition has to do with a book. When a chapter ends in a book and another one begins there is continuity. Even though there is a break, the story continues.

Similarly here at Ethnos San Diego a chapter of God’s work is coming to a close and a new chapter is about to begin. Yucan is planting a new Ethnos site in New Brunswick, and even though the Chiu family will move to a new site, there is still a lot of continuity to what God is doing in San Diego.  

First, there is still continuity with people. There is continuity with our amazing staff. Yvonne, is continuing to lead Ethnos Kids together with her volunteer team. Amy, our church administrator, is continuing lead the admin team and makes sure that everything is organized and running properly. Eric, also known as Bishop Lige, is continuing to lead our worship teams and other creative arts endeavors. Scott, and I are continuing to serve you all as pastors. By the way, what I am saying here, I am saying on Scott and my behalf.

Second, there is continuity with the mission of engaging University City. There are still 95-97% of people in University City who don’t attend a place of worship and who don’t follow Jesus. We are going to continue to creatively engage and participate in the redeeming mission of Jesus with our neighbors, schools, universities, our workplaces and the international community. And as we participate in the mission of Jesus, lives are going to continue to be impacted and changed by God powerfully working through His church.  

Thirdly, and most of all, there is continuity in the relationships that we have with each other. God has given us spiritual friendship and community with each other. The love and care for each other runs deep.

So looking ahead, I am excited to see what God is going to do here in San Diego. I am convinced that as Paul mentions in Ephesians that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work with in us” (Ephesians 3:20). I am excited about what lies ahead and I am honored and truly humbled to serve you as site lead pastor. 

Prayer Points:

For Pastor Tim and the San Diego Staff team to be filled with love, wisdom, and skill to lead and grow Ethnos San Diego to new heights.