A Mission to Love: A Call to Unity

In his message for the upcoming 100th World Mission Day, Pope Leo XIV writes, “The mission of the disciples and the Church is to continue the mission of Christ in the Holy Spirit: a mission born of love, lived in love, and leading to love. In fact, the Lord himself, in his great prayer to the Father before his Passion, after invoking unity among his disciples, concludes: ‘so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them’ (Jn 17:26). Impelled by the love of Christ, the Apostles went out to evangelize for Christ (cf. 2 Cor 5:14).”

For over five years, our family lived and served alongside the Alleluia Community in Augusta, Georgia. Our time there gave us a glimpse of life in unity with fellow Christians. It is a blessing to watch people at gatherings, prayer meetings, or funerals participate together and enter into worship as one body.

When God called us to begin a new mission post elsewhere, one nagging thought was, “Will we be able to find others who live this radical call to co-exist as Christians?” It may not look exactly the same, but God knows well what we need to fuel our mission and answers prayers in His perfect timing.

Last summer, we moved to start a new mission in the city of Atlanta, inspired by the life and ministry of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, patroness of immigrants. A specific town called Clarkston was highlighted to us. On our first visit to Clarkston, described as “the most diverse square mile in America” and “the Ellis Island of the South,” we felt as if we were outside of the US—maybe in Asia, Africa, or South America—certainly not suburban America.

When we initially discerned this call in the fall of 2024, we did not know immigration would soon become such a major focus as a new administration rolled out multiple policies affecting immigrants and refugees.

In the midst of chaos, confusion, and rapidly changing rules, the Holy Spirit continued to shine His light in the darkness, leading us to other Christians who serve among immigrants and refugees in Clarkston. This is truly life-giving to us as we find support, encouragement, and community in other believers.

In the same World Mission Sunday message, Pope Leo XIV states, “Being a Christian is not primarily about practices or ideas; it is a life in union with Christ, in which we share in his filial relationship with the Father in the Holy Spirit. It means abiding in Christ, like branches on the vine (cf. Jn 15:4), immersed in the life of the Trinity. This union gives rise to mutual communion among believers and is the source of all missionary fruitfulness.”

As we gather to share meals, praise God, and pray for our neighbors with our Christian brothers and sisters, beautiful relationships begin and myriad opportunities are present to serve, evangelize, and pray.

Mel and our baby go with the other women to bring groceries, visit, and pray with Afghan women and their families. Gerry and our older children joined a soccer ministry to share the Good News with Afghan children.

Again, Pope Leo XIV exhorts, “The unity of disciples is not an end in itself; it is directed towards mission. Jesus states this clearly: ‘So that the world may believe that you have sent me.’ (Jn 17:21) It is through the witness of a reconciled, fraternal and united community that the proclamation of the Gospel acquires its full communicative power.”

Growing up, we often sang this hymn in church and school: “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, and we pray that all unity may one day be restored. They’ll know we are Christians by our love… We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand, and together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.”

This song is a reminder of Jesus’ heart for a united body. The Holy Spirit endows each of us with various gifts which we can exchange and learn from one another to further His Kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 12, St. Paul tells us that while we are many different parts, we remain one body in Christ. He exhorts us to, “strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way.” He then explains the Way of Love. Let us embrace what makes us different, work together in unity, and be instruments of God’s mercy and peace for His greater glory.