How fun it was seeing Emi and Sterling Miller and their girls last weekend. We had a blast together catching up and going out for beef BBQ. It was one of the best meals we’ve had in Japan so far.

Seeing how their family is growing was such a joy for me as their oldest daughter took a liking to me from the moment she met me when she was just a toddler. I get to see Sterling quite often because he serves with me in sharing about Asian Access in several countries across Asia. But, it was fun seeing the better half as we say and those precious little girls. Reminds me of when my girls were little!

Their church, Kokobunji Baptist had a nice message that dovetails with one of our key teachings at Asian Access. The pastor’s wife preached a message from Matt. 25:14-19 sharing about the talents we have and the importance of focusing on our strengths rather than comparing ourselves to others. 

She shared several illustrations about how even just one talent can be plenty and that many apparently here believe or are led to believe that “one talent is not enough”. We at Asian Access encourage pastors to find their strengths and gifts to build on for ministry. You see God has wired you and me with a particular set of gifts or, as in this parable shares, talents.

He wants us to be fruitful and multiply no matter how many talents we have. I often share that I’m only a five talent guy. There are many with more talents than me and some with fewer. I don’t need to compare myself to the ten talent people or to think I’m better than a one talent person. My role is to simply rest in Jesus and share those talents that I do possess. 

It doesn’t matter if I’m different than others so as this pastor shared, “Don’t be afraid to be different.” Or, as many might say, Simply Be Yourself.

Every pastor and ministry leader is designed with a different DNA and wiring. With that God wants us to live into our calling to bear more fruit. As we lean into Him and His calling and giftedness in our lives, we will do just that.

It’s fun to see Emi and Sterling here in Japan leaning into what God has called them to do and be. 

How about you? Are you leaning into God to see how your talents can be multiplied?

Joe Handley

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