The Nations at Grace

In our member directory, #10 in our suggested prayers for Grace Rancho reminds us to, “Pray that the members would welcome political, economic, social, and racial diversity as God gives it.” If you look around at Grace Rancho on a Sunday or flip through the member directory a little bit, God has answered that prayer in amazing ways!

Presently, Grace Rancho has members who were born in or have family roots in the following countries: Brazil, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jordan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Korea, and Syria.

A few months ago, I invited a long-time friend and recent church planter to visit Grace Rancho. One of the characteristics he noticed right away is the diversity within the congregation. He asked whether we had done anything in particular to pursue or promote this. My simple answer was “No.” We’ve asked the Lord to build His church and he has done so with a remarkable tapestry of grace that reflects his heart for the nations.

From Genesis to Revelation, God has planned to call a people to himself from every tongue, tribe, and nation. And he has invited us to be part of his mission to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19-20). There is no greater privilege than being part of God’s family and being on mission with him! Let’s celebrate what God has done at Grace Rancho, joyfully pursue relationships with others, and seek to preserve unity in diversity as a witness to the gospel’s uniting power (Eph. 4:2).

And, as a fun family exercise, make it a goal to identify which members belong to which countries. Over a cup of coffee or a meal, ask them their testimony. Then, sit back and marvel at God’s kind providence in saving them, bringing them to Grace Rancho, and uniting us together as one beautifully diverse church family.