Ellie and Levi both grew up across cultures as their families served with OMF. With Fathers Day coming up, we asked them how their dads’ loving examples shaped their experience as Third Culture Kids (TCKs) growing up between their parents’ home countries and the country they were serving in.
My dad named our house in East Asia. It was called the GAC, or Great Abundance Centre, and was a place where many people passed through. My bedroom became creche on a Sunday; my slippers were given to guests to wear. There were many embarrassing moments when my sisters and I watched our dad approach random people on the street and chat with them, usually showcasing his language skills. He’d end up with their contact details, and we’d see them at our house for a meal sometime later. This still happens today as my parents work with internationals in Glasgow. And yes, it still embarrasses us!
Yet it taught us from a young age the importance of sharing. We share our house for people to experience hospitality and community; we share our dad with the public so he can make friends with strangers. It comes out of his desire for more people to know and love Jesus. His example with East Asian students then and now taught me the characteristics needed in ministry such as perseverance, generosity and patience. Even when little change is observed, and the harvest field feels rather fruitless, my dad keeps on sharing Jesus.
My dad is very good at putting others’ needs before his own. It’s something I’ve experienced even more as I intern with OMF, somewhat following his and my mum’s footsteps as cross-cultural workers. There’s a lot in the Bible about fathers because of our Father in heaven. No doubt it’s a scary thought for fathers to reflect God’s own character as the ultimate Father. But showing selfless, sacrificial love is one of the greatest ways my own father has led and discipled us to follow Christ. Our house was always busy, and ministry life is full of things to do! Yet Jesus says in Matthew 19, ‘Let the little children come to me’, and spends time praying with them. Yes, my parents have busy ministry lives, but my sisters and I also knew that we were part of their ministry, as mini missionaries, as well as learners needing discipling in faith.
Ellie McClure
Mobilisation Intern
Hello everyone, my name is Levi. I am 13 years old. I am here to share with you about how my dad has been a real encouragement in my life and also what it means to be a TCK.
My parents are involved in full-time ministry. Because of this, we often spend time with those who aren’t Christian at our house. Although my parents don’t know these people very well, they still welcome them, show them love and make them feel at home. The love that they express reflects how much God loves people, and that he has a heart for all nations. My parents’ love for these people encourages me to want to be more equipped so that I can better serve God in the future.
Throughout my life, whenever I do things wrong, my dad corrects me and teaches me in a biblical way. Dad has also always been there for me, available for whenever I need him. This has been a real blessing to me as I continue my life journey.
I have learned a lot about life and faith from Dad. When my family went through a difficult relocation back to the UK a few years ago, he taught me the biblical way of seeing difficulties and challenges from James 1:2-4 which says ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’ Things can be tough sometimes, but we still need to find positive things that we can be thankful for.
Dad has helped me understand a lot about God and the gospel. I feel secure with him, knowing he’s always there for me. Similarly, when I’m alone, I can also feel secure, because God is with me. Dad’s guidance helps me think of the way my Heavenly Father leads me.
As a TCK, I have the privilege of seeing different countries, cultures and peoples. All these remind me of God’s mighty power and creativity. I have spent most of my life in East Asia, so I don’t feel strongly connected to any one country. However, I know that heaven is my eternal home, where I can have a powerful sense of belonging.
Levi
