Called to Ministry | Interview with Maila Kue
Maila and I have been facebook friends for years, but we officially met when I lived in Illinois. We met over dinner and lunch, and I’m excited to see what God is doing in her life. I know she is an inspiration for many. Here’s my interview with Maila.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? (What do you do? What are some of your hobbies?)
I am a Michigan-native, second-generation Hmong American female. I currently live in the Chicagoland area, am unapologetically obsessed with my two nieces, and confess that I am a huge fan of personality tests.
I know you were in marketing prior to going into ministry, why did you make that transition? What’s been the biggest struggle?
Wow, what a journey that was. The short version of the story is that I heard God’s call – and I couldn’t help but obey that call. Many people wondered (including myself for some time) why I would leave a job I loved to pursue something totally uncertain. But if I could put it plain: Jesus said yes to dying for me so it made perfect sense for me to say yes to living for Him.
Perhaps the biggest struggle has been staying encouraged despite some of the discussions that take place regarding women in ministry. I come from a culture and a context where women aren’t encouraged (or oftentimes even allowed) to preach. A bad day for a male preacher is when people criticize his sermon. A bad day for a woman preacher when people won’t give an opinion on her sermon because they don’t believe she should’ve been on stage in the first place. This is the reality of a woman’s experience. This has been the reality of my personal experience. I don’t know about you, but I’d take a critique over the latter any day.
All that to say, I’m hopeful. The struggles are few and far between. There has been so much more richness and good than there has been struggle and difficulty.
What’s been one of your biggest joy (some of your joys) working in ministry?
I’m a hopeless romantic… And let me tell you; there is nothing more rewarding than getting to see people be loved by God and then seeing them fall in love with Him back. There’s something breathtaking about the simplicity – and yet supernatural – experience of seeing people have life transforming God-encounters.
What would you say to someone who is struggling to find their career path, passion, and/or vocation?
Take the pressure off yourself of having to figure out what you are “supposed” to do for the rest of your life. I meet people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who are still trying to figure out what they want to do. And I’m learning that life happens in seasons; while I can (and ought to) plan for the future, there is also freedom in knowing that my primary goal is to discern what I’m called to in the current season and to be faithful in stewarding that well.
If you’re too focused on solving the future, you’ll miss out on investing in beauty of what’s happening now. If you fully invest in what’s given to you now, you’ll set yourself up for a good and solid future.
What would you say to a woman who wants to pursue ministry?
Do it if:
1. You can’t sit still anymore because you know God has called you to it.
2. You can’t stop thinking about it and find joy in the possibility of doing it.
3. People in your life have affirmed the call in your life.
If these three things check-off, then I say go for it. But until these things check-off, then I say wait to fully dive in.
Who has inspired you and how have they inspired you?
Pastor Toua Thao. I have watched him count the cost and obediently follow the call of God with so much surrender and humility. Because of his obedience, so many lives have been changed – including my own. I have seen through his example that following Jesus comes with painful decisions, hurtful conversations, and multiple curveballs. But that it also comes with the gift of seeing lives transformed, the opportunity to shepherd people into their callings, and the privilege of seeing the Word of God capture people’s hearts.
What is a message you want all young women to know?
You matter. Your thoughts matter. Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Your perspective matters. There are things that only you as a woman can contribute to the world. Grieve the moments when the voice of women who have gone before you has been silenced. Then take responsibility by standing up and speaking up for the girls that come after you.
What’s one of the best advices you’ve been given?
Don’t forget to have fun!
What are 2 books (or articles) you recommend everyone to read?
A forever favorite: Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen
A recent read: Hermanas by Natalia Kohn Rivera, Noemi Vega Quiñones, and Kristy Garza Robinson
Where can people find you? (website/social handles)
Website: www.mailakue.com
Instagram: @mailakue
Thank you to Maila for doing this interview. Make sure to check out her website and follow her journey on social. I’m truly grateful to have Maila a part of this series!
Thank you for reading. Share below what were some of your takeaways from this interview!
~ Sincerely, Mainou
CONNECT WITH ME: Insta - @daysbymc | Email - click here
FTC: Not sponsored. Thank you to Maila.