You have to do what God has called you to, even when you don’t think you are ready or fully equipped. You have to just go for it and see what you get. – John Goodwin
These were words spoken by our host here in Bulgaria when describing their mission. The morning after we arrived as we sat for breakfast they began to tell us about their ministry and how it has been a slow process. John and Jane are missionaries from Canada who live in Bulgaria. They are working on building a retreat center for pastors and missionaries while reaching out to the community and sharing the gospel. Their mission is called Worship With Us. My team and I are here to help them with this vision.
John‘s words also resonated with me. Back in El Salvador I was asked to consider the role of Logistics Leader. My hesitation came not because I didn’t think I was capable, but because frankly I didn’t really want to do the job. I remember at training camp back in October everyone was being assigned roles. I did not want be part of that crowd. I just wanted to be a regular racer. I wanted to just “go” and “do”. I didn’t want to be responsible for anything, just show up and serve. My role as a logistics leader would be to be responsible for the practical needs of the squad. To coordinate travel days and hostel stays and mobilize the entire squad around the world.
Before leaving Rochester, I had a conversation with my pastor. I had told him about how excited I was to not have a leadership role on the race. He sort of laughed at me and said “Kim, I would be surprised if you went the entire race without being in a leadership position. You were made to be a leader.” I just laughed and said “not this girl, she’s just going to be a regular racer.” Clearly I was mistaken and God had bigger plans for me.
First task on the job was to get everyone to Bulgaria and activate team leader phones so that each team can connect with their hosts. Lets just say that after 70+ hours of travel the squad wasn’t exactly at its most patient level. People were tired, hungry and wanting to use the restroom. People wanted answers that I didn’t have and wasn’t quick enough to get. Here’s what I quickly learned:
You can’t please everybody…
Yea some will be tired, hungry, frustrated and anxious. After 70+ hours of travel: 4 planes, sleeping at the airport and an 11hr bus ride, I was too…
Here’s what really matters: everyone connected with their contacts and had a plan of action to arrive to their final destinations. It took maybe 2 hrs to accomplish.
Could someone else have done a better job?…Quizás (perhaps)
I didn’t really feel equipped nor did I really know what I was doing… but it all worked out :-)… because sometimes when God calls you to something, you have to just go for it and see what happens. I am ready for this new challenge. No translating for me here in Europe. I get to serve my squad in a whole new way. Bring it on Logistics, this girl is on it! Also, I have an incredible logistics partner to work with. We got this!
(Kim and Cody- Logistics Leaders)
Stay Blessed
Kim 🙂
