In September of 2001, exactly ten years ago, I was a recent college graduate and first year student at Luther Seminary, and Kristen just completed her Master of Science degree at the University of Minnesota. At that point in time we never could have imagined how our lives would alter in the following weeks, months, and years. While there is much to articulate in regards to “where we are” physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually as a result of the past ten years, my overwhelming affirmation is that I thank God for the direction our lives have taken, and I praise God for the awesome opportunities provided alongside amazing people in various locations around the world.
With all the above in mind, it is with deep appreciation that I wish make known our resignation as Young Adults in Global Mission Country Coordinators in South Africa with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – Global Mission. Due to a variety of personal and professional factors that Kristen and I have discerned over the past months, we believe the time has come for us to pursue new opportunities and transition into a new stage in our lives. I communicated our decision with a formal Letter of Resignation to Rev. Stephen Nelson, who serves as the Director for Global Service within Global Mission, in addition to Rev. Bheki Mathe, the current General Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa.
With the exception of any unexpected circumstances, we plan to remain in South Africa until July of 2012 in order to fulfill our commitment of accompanying the current group of Young Adults in Global Mission participant learners and hosts within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa, after which we plan to return to North America and serve God through new ventures. At this point in time there are a variety of excellent ministry possibilities worthy of consideration for our future, but we also recognize that many additional roles may become known in the months ahead. As a result, while we feel heartache when faced with the upcoming prospects of departing South Africa, we recognize that God is walking alongside us, and the Holy Spirit will show a path forward that includes fulfillment and exciting ministry environments. In the midst of it all, we recognize that a significant amount of time in South Africa remains, thus we seek to be faithfully present, serve to the best of our collective abilities, and when the time to depart is finally upon us, we plan to offer God our thanks and leave with no regrets.
In reflection upon the various events of the past years, I wish to express my deepest appreciation for the outpouring of love and solidarity received, especially since Khaya’s birth in October of 2010, for it is another profound reminder of how fortunate we are to be called, equipped, and sent-out into God’s global mission through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The support displayed by family and friends from around the world has been remarkable. In addition, I am proud to share that we have received an outstanding level of personal and professional support from Global Mission staff on various levels, and local hosts within South Africa have been tremendous, which has made this process of discernment less painful, but of course, it also makes the decision to resign far more difficult. While we trust that God will lead us to fresh and fulfilling opportunities in the period ahead, we recognize that the Global Mission community has been a joy to serve with, we feel deeply connected to the amazing people of South Africa, and we will dearly miss our current roles within the Churchwide expression.
As we consider more specific plans surrounding methods of departure, leadership transition, and potential future opportunities for our family within North America, I humbly ask for your continued prayers of compassion and togetherness during this important time in our lives. In addition, I pray that whatever it is that God brings next will provide Kristen and I with various means to continue honoring the confidence and trust that ELCA Global Mission has bestowed upon us throughout the years, and I strongly believe that we will continue to accompany one another within God’s mission of reconciliation, transformation, and empowerment around the world.
I thank God for all that you do, and I praise God for all that you are.
With peace and love,
Brian E. Konkol
