Growth
Last week, during a committee meeting for Fuller Theological Seminary, our chair, Tom Lin, President of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, asked each member to share a word that would represent our expectations for the new year of 2024. It was a very interesting exercise, and after thinking about it for a few seconds, I was the first to burst forth with the word “growth.”
Being mindful of time constraints, I did not elaborate further on my reason for choosing the word. This allowed us enough time to cover the agenda. So, for this Founder’s update, I will explain why I look forward to more “growth” in 2024.
I am deeply grateful for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the growth of UVC throughout 2023. We had numerous gatherings at the Magic Blue House and multiple private screenings of our remarkable short film, “Refuse,” during the year. The full feature script has been completed, and we are prepared to advance the project to the next phase. The completion of the “Be Afraid” podcast, the “Don’t Look Away” devotional book, and the “FearMakers” conference were all significant milestones of growth for UVC. In 2024, we intend to continue expanding in all these areas. There will be a new podcast launching by the last quarter, along with another devotional. We may even host more than one conference, and a new project focused on expanding our short film collection has already begun. However, the primary focus, at least for the first quarter, will be on establishing a new church at the Magic Blue House. We eagerly anticipate updating all of you in person with a gathering in late April. Kenneth is the new Pastor Creator, and he is in the process of assembling a brand-new team for the new year. My prayer is that UVC will continue to faithfully follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, allowing the mystery of our future to unfold gloriously.
On a personal note, I am currently enrolled in the PhD program at Fuller, and it will undoubtedly be a period of significant growth for me and my theology. I believe that all the world’s problems are fundamentally theological problems. Therefore, discipleship should serve as the foundation of all our actions. My first book is scheduled for publication by June, and it will showcase how theology forms the cornerstone of my life and drives all my business endeavors. My involvement with Fuller and Christianity Today will provide me with opportunities to emphasize the importance of sound theology in these two wonderful organizations and to learn how to be a more effective board member.
Later in the year, a groundbreaking institute dedicated to researching Chinese theology based on the indigenous Chinese culture and language will be established in Los Angeles, of which I am a central figure due to my proficiency in the Chinese language and the various connections I have established throughout the years. This marks a significant advancement in global theology research, but more importantly, it has profound implications for China and its diaspora. It is yet another project that I did not actively seek, and I am excited to witness how the Holy Spirit will continue to set priorities in my life.
Within my extended family, we currently have 29 members, and I anticipate that this number will continue to grow. We are eagerly looking forward to more additions in the form of new babies and weddings on the horizon. When I shared the word “growth” with them during our family reunion this week, we all expressed deep gratitude for how the second generation is responding to my encouragement to be generous at all times and to resist the practice of frugality. During our reunion, two members of the younger second generation secretly covered the costs of two separate elaborate meals. Their kind and generous gesture not only surprised the family but also signaled their growth in maturity and their commitment to practicing generosity. In addition, our conversations during this reunion were all about how each family member is growing, both personally, as a couple for those who are married, and professionally.
Finally, my two companies, Million Dollar Baby Co and Alabaster Co has projected another growth year with more exciting and beautiful product introductions. MDB will even open our first retail store in the second quarter, growing from a wholesaler to a retailer. May this update encourage you, my dear brothers and sisters, also to focus on growth, in all aspects, as a goal for this new year of 2024.