This month, our team had Unsung Heroes for our ministry. What this meant was that we went out into the city of Manila and its surrounding areas and looked for new ministries for the World Race to partner with for future racers.
The first few days, we spent time researching and made a plan. After that, we took it one area at a time and went for it. At first, I was excited about Unsung Heroes but that quickly faded. I was discouraged and slightly annoyed early on because we had no direct schedule. Anyone who knows me, knows I love to have a schedule to follow. But it was impossible because everyday was different.
I also didn’t like that we moved so often. I got used to moving once a month but once a week was pushing it. Everything that I got used to being on the world race was completely different. And I didn’t feel like a missionary. I felt like I was skating by everyday. I sent emails and no one replied. I made calls and the person who answered didn’t speak English. I had no idea what I was doing.
But there is more. This month’s ministry had more to do with serving one another and being the body of Christ, than the normal things we think of when we think of mission work. We didn’t play with street kids or feed homeless people everyday. We weren’t able to get to know a ministry contact on a personal level for a month. And we definitely didn’t have the hard goodbyes at the end of the month that we have faced in months prior.
Does this mean we didn’t do a good job? NO WAY! We were able to minister to each other in ways we never thought we needed. I was able to get to know my teammates in deeper ways than I ever expected. One of my teammates and I have had issues from day one. We would butt heads all the time. I thought she was too sensitive and she thought I didn’t care about anything. This month we chose to work together. We laughed when people hung up the phone on us. We were frustrated when we sent what felt like the hundredth email that we knew no one was going to respond to. We talked about life outside of the race. We became friends.
Ministering to your group is probably one of the hardest but most important things on the race. Ministry is such a small part of our day to day world. And it is by far the easiest. I can dig ditches and play with babies. That isn’t what helps me grow and move forward. This month was a win in my mind simply because of growing close to my one teammate that I never thought I would have given the chance.
Life is beautiful. The world race is beautiful. Ugly days have beauty hidden in them somewhere. Embrace it. God is moving me and I’m not sure where I am going to end up but I am in this for the long haul.
Love && Peace!
**I have a deadline that is now PAST DUE and I am still $1319 away from meeting it. Please consider making a tax deductible donation to my world race account!! Thank YOU!**
