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Leadership

We Are Pilgrims

The men from Allied came three weeks ago. They packed up everything – I mean every single thing – that did not have a bright orange “Do Not Remove” sticker and put it in a 20-foot sea crate. Our clothes, books, pictures, piano, CD’s, printer, dishes, electric guitars and personal items are chugging their way across the Pacific.

It’s funny how Go-No Go decisions force you to face two facts:

1. We own a lot of worthless junk.

2. We are pilgrims in this world.

We have less than two weeks before our family moves to Orlando, Florida. We’re basically camping out in a very empty apartment that echoes… echoes…. We’re eating off of plastic plates and sleeping on air mattresses.

This feels odd after living here for more than seven years. What was once a home has become merely a shelter.

This transition process has been good for my soul. The memories remind me of God’s lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness in the evening. It reminds me that although Ann and I have spent 13 of our 21 years of marriage in Asia, our true citizenship is not here. Nor is it in Texas where I spent the first 30 years of my life. Nor will it be in Orlando. I am a pilgrim.

There’s tremendous freedom in the pilgrim lifestyle. No car, very little stuff, easy wardrobe decisions, and few meals to prepare. Kind people invite us over for dinner nearly every night in an extended string of goodbyes.

For me, this process is another chance to grow my heart by embracing divine displacement. Selah.

By Ken

Dr. Ken Cochrum (DMin, Bethel University) is Vice President of Global Digital Strategies at Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) in Orlando, Florida. An avid cyclist and aspiring guitarist, he also holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas and a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He recently co-founded Indigitous.org, a movement passionate about connecting people to Jesus using digital strategies. He previously served as vice president of Cru’s student-led movements worldwide. He and his wife Ann spent 13 years in East Asia where they raised their two children. Ken blogs regularly at www.onleadingwell.com.

One reply on “We Are Pilgrims”

that’s sad…that pic of your house looks REALLY empty. Well…jia you!! these last two weeks! I’m praying for you guys!

In Him and Much Luv,
Jana

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