On Mission: Now I Am Known
Verse of the Week
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
— Proverbs 31:8–9 (NIV)
Quick Thought
I've been reading a book the last couple of weeks called Now I Am Known by Peter Mutabazi. I highly recommend making some time to read it if you can. Peter grew up in rural Uganda in an abusive home. He ran away when he was 10 years old and started living on the streets. One interaction—one act of kindness from a stranger—completely changed the trajectory of his life. He went on to get an education, served as a relief coordinator during the Rwandan genocide, and worked with the Red Cross during another conflict. Eventually, he came to the States, where he began advocating for kids around the world—connecting people who have with kids who have nothing.
He’s now a single foster dad and has cared for numerous children. And it all started with that one interaction. In fact, one question: “What is your name?” Peter was baffled that anyone would care enough to ask or even want to know his name. His upbringing told him he was a worthless no-name who would never amount to anything.
Here’s the deal—God’s heart has always been for the vulnerable—for the ones the world overlooks. And He calls us to speak up, to defend, to care. That doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s as simple as showing up for someone who feels forgotten, listening when others ignore, or making space for those who’ve been pushed aside. Or maybe… it's just asking for their name.
The way we treat the overlooked says something about how well we understand the Gospel. Because we were once the ones in need—and Jesus came for us. He called us by name.
Challenge
Pay attention this week. Ask God to open your eyes to someone who needs to be seen, heard, and loved—and then act. That’s where mission begins.
Be a blessing,
- Pastor Zach
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
— Proverbs 31:8–9 (NIV)
Quick Thought
I've been reading a book the last couple of weeks called Now I Am Known by Peter Mutabazi. I highly recommend making some time to read it if you can. Peter grew up in rural Uganda in an abusive home. He ran away when he was 10 years old and started living on the streets. One interaction—one act of kindness from a stranger—completely changed the trajectory of his life. He went on to get an education, served as a relief coordinator during the Rwandan genocide, and worked with the Red Cross during another conflict. Eventually, he came to the States, where he began advocating for kids around the world—connecting people who have with kids who have nothing.
He’s now a single foster dad and has cared for numerous children. And it all started with that one interaction. In fact, one question: “What is your name?” Peter was baffled that anyone would care enough to ask or even want to know his name. His upbringing told him he was a worthless no-name who would never amount to anything.
Here’s the deal—God’s heart has always been for the vulnerable—for the ones the world overlooks. And He calls us to speak up, to defend, to care. That doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s as simple as showing up for someone who feels forgotten, listening when others ignore, or making space for those who’ve been pushed aside. Or maybe… it's just asking for their name.
The way we treat the overlooked says something about how well we understand the Gospel. Because we were once the ones in need—and Jesus came for us. He called us by name.
Challenge
Pay attention this week. Ask God to open your eyes to someone who needs to be seen, heard, and loved—and then act. That’s where mission begins.
Be a blessing,
- Pastor Zach
Posted in On Mission with LCC
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