By Zach Dodd, WEGO Director
“…Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life…”
-1 Thessalonians 4:11
Every once in a while, a film haunts you long after the credits roll. That’s what happened to me after watching Train Dreams with my wife. It’s a humble story of a humble man, a logger in turn-of-the-century Idaho. The movie chronicles his 80 years of life, from being orphaned as a child to his final days in a society that transformed without him. There was grief, loss, love, and passing joy. But nothing about his life or the movie’s plot was particularly spectacular. It was quiet.
So, why did it stay with me? (I don’t think this is a spoiler) The climax of the movie was simply a series of flashbacks from his life, pulling back the curtain to unveil the beauty and glory of the mundane. His quiet life was not wasted. It was indeed quite spectacular after all.
I think that’s what Paul was getting at in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12:
“…Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
There is glory in keeping your head down, getting to work, and just being faithful to the task at hand. Yes, sometimes big things happen, and lives get put in the limelight. Just look at Paul. But our main aim, Paul says, is to be faithful in the small things, to open our eyes to all the beauty right beneath our feet.
In a world so gravely addicted to likes, views, and ‘Go big, or go home’, living a quiet life sure stands out.
That’s why I love these bios and prayer requests from four of the children under our care at New Hope Children’s Home in Mongolia. Life is finding joy in bicycles, praying for tests, and waiting for seeds to grow. It’s in the thrill of dancing, preparing for college, and dreaming about what visiting another country could be like.
Join us in praying for my friends Gantsetseg, Ulzii, Ariuka, and Alungua. Praise God with us for their lives. May they learn to live them faithfully and quietly in pursuit of Jesus, day by day. What a marvelous spectacle that will be.
Let's Pray Together
Pray For Gantsetseg
From Gantsetseg:
My name is Gantsetseg, and I am 13 years old. I dream of becoming a psychologist when I grow up.
How You Can Pray:
1) That I remain faithful to God
2) To do very well on my final exams
3) I ask you to pray in the name of Jesus that everyone in this world may live a good and happy life
Pray For Ulziibuyan
From Ulziibuyan:
I’m Ulziibuyan, and I am 14 years old. I enjoy playing basketball and riding bicycles. Playing basketball gives me energy. When I feel angry or stressed, riding my bike helps me get some fresh air and calm down. I really like bicycles, so I might become a bicycle or car mechanic in the future.
How You Can Pray:
1) Please pray that I can get braces so I can chew food properly and feel more confident
2) To stay motivated, study well, and achieve excellent results
3) To learn English well
Pray For Ariungerel
From Ariuka (Ariungerel):
My name is Ariungerel. I enjoy dancing and singing. The country I would like to visit is South Korea.
How You Can Pray:
1) To memorize more verses from the Bible
2) To learn the Korean language
3) Please pray that God will guide me to make the right decisions and live a happy life
Pray For Alungua
From Alungua:
My name is Alungua. I am 17 years old. I want to become a successful, educated, and responsible citizen in the future.
How You Can Pray:
1) To prepare well for my university entrance exams and, in two years, to be fully prepared and get into university with a scholarship
2) To choose the right major
3) For everyone to be free from illness and suffering