In our work to advance religious freedom and social cohesion, it is easy—far too easy—to focus on the threats we face: opposition, bureaucracy, spiritual warfare, and the dangers present in many of the environments where we serve. But as I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of a simple yet profound truth: We are called not to fixate on the obstacles, but to celebrate the victories—the fruit—that God is producing through our obedience.
The road toward expanding the Kingdom of God is rarely smooth. Jesus Himself told us, “In this world, you will have trouble.” And we do. But He didn’t stop there. He continued: “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). This is the posture we must adopt—not one of fear, but of faith.
Each time we witness reconciliation between religious leaders, each time a government official begins to see faith as a force for good rather than a threat, and each time someone chooses dialogue over division, we see the fingerprints of the Kingdom. These are not minor accomplishments. They are glimpses of heaven breaking into earth. And these are the moments that should capture our attention.
That’s why I’m especially excited about our upcoming Multi-Faith Family Picnic—a time of joy, connection, and celebration open to all ages and all backgrounds. This special event is designed to bring together communities often isolated from one another, creating a welcoming space to get to know our neighbors and show love across faiths and cultures. It may seem minor to some, but we believe such simple gatherings carry profound potential: the chance to practice peace, foster trust, and witness the Kingdom of God moving in everyday life.
scenes from last year’s multi-faith picnic:
The joy is real, and so is the threat. I do not minimize them. Those trying to destroy our efforts would love nothing more than for us to become paralyzed by the fears and obstacles. Instead, we are invited to refocus on the victories, however small they may seem because each one represents ground taken for the Kingdom. And here is the greater mystery: Everything we’ve ever invested into the Kingdom of God has become forever.
Whatever we invest in the earth—its systems, accolades, and monuments—will perish.
Cultures rise and fall.
Empires and great cities rise and crumble.
But the investments made through the understanding and living of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) —investments in mercy, peacemaking, humility, justice, and love—will last forever. These are the treasures in heaven, the legacies that will never fade.
Our calling is not to count the cost alone, which may appear great to us, but to consider the impact, even if it seems too small in our eyes. When we focus on what God is doing—when we choose to recall the breakthroughs instead of rehearsing the setbacks—we tap into a deeper source of strength. This is not naïve optimism; it is holy realism. It is a faith that remembers: the cross looked like defeat until it became a victory. Thus, the most challenging moments in our journey may one day prove to be the soil where God’s most significant work took root.
About the Author
LYNC’s Founder and CEO Wade Kusack was born and raised in Belarus. He is bilingual in English & Russian, possessing extensive cross-sectoral networks throughout the former Soviet Union, especially in Central Asia. He organized or participated in more than 150 discussions and roundtables in connection with religious studies of the government as well as academic and civil society platforms. Wade has also developed educational networks for religious leaders on international and domestic religious laws and policies. His direct experience in peacemaking and reconciliation, in addition to leading interfaith dialogues, has inspired many stakeholders to found the non-profit, Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC)
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