So, there are not a lot of Christians around here, especially in the 20 something age catagory. I used to hate that about Quesnel but I also used to be too religious and legalistic to warmly embrace people who didn’t share my faith. I was a little bit cold towards them.
I don’t want to retell my testimony here so in short, God dealt with my bad attitude and now I really love this place. The people here are amazing and I’m learning to look at them the same way that God does. I have a lot of friends here. People who might never walk through the doors of the church but recognize a difference in me day by day.
I’m different and they all seem to know it instinctively. I don’t have to fight or debate. I have the trust and the respect of the people here and I am extremely aware that God is behind it. I’ve struggled to explain the World Race in a way that they would understand and potentially relate to. They don’t share my faith or my vision.
The closest description I’ve got is that I’m inspired by the love of God to go and provide ‘humanitarian aid’ to some of the poorest nations in the world. That’s when they look confused and say something like, but you’re going to Ireland too right? I’ve tried but I can’t get them to understand the whole gospel to the ends of the earth idea. It feels strange to ask them to support me but many are interested in doing so.
I want to keep in mind their limitations as I send them information about the Race. I want to explain it in a way that they would understand and be able to relate to it. I want good, strong relationships with all of my supporters. More than anything I want to maintain the friendships I have with all of my non-Christian friends and acquaintances. I’m working hard at explaining the gospel again and again and again on my blog. I’m really pushing it but I’m also trying hard to keep it humorous and not come on so strong that it turns them off.
I don’t know… I love these people. I am going to miss them all SO much. I want to keep them interested and somehow continue to challenge them and influence them from afar.
Is anyone else struggling to maintain strong relationships with their non-christian supporters and friends? How are you explaining the race to those who don’t share our faith or our vision? I’m going to do an interview for the newspaper, has anyone else done that? How did you approach it?
Nicole.
