It all started with such a simple interaction, but at the time I had no idea how those words would affect how I viewed the world.
About 1/2 way through training camp I found myself on a small beach with 8 of my squadmates as well as one of our Squad Leaders (Justin). With some time to spare we had all gone for a dip in the lake to relax and cool down. As dinner time drew near we all climbed out of the lake, and rushed for the water spicket to rinse the sand off our water logged sandals. With only two things on our mind: a need for clean feet and the food that was surely waiting for us, we hurried across the beach not paying any mind to those around us.
The nine of us were ready to walk back to camp when I noticed Justin (squad leader) was hanging back. He had started a conversation with an elderly couple on the beach, who then asked what we were doing. I listened as he shared a bit about what the world race was, but then he asked if there was anything he could pray for. Justin joined us a moment later and we prayed as a group over their prayer requests.
As we walked back I couldn’t stop thinking about everything that had just happened. I was angry with myself for being so focused on my own needs and wants (clean feet and food) that it never occurred to me to talk to those around me, let alone pray for them. But that night I determined that that was what my World Race would be about. I would find a way to make ministry a part of my every day life.
Fast forward a few days. Teams have just been announced and I now know which 6 girls I’ll be doing life with for the first 5 months of the race. They’ve given us an afternoon to spend together in town, “memory making” they said. We immediately set our sights on a local coffee shop and walked in, taking a moment to thank God for AC and coffee. As we waited in line a man came in and stood in line behind us. Upon realising how long he’d be waiting we offered to let him skip ahead of us.
A conversation quickly began as we asked for advice on where in town we should eat. He told us he had just moved to the area himself to be closer to family, but he still had a few recommendations for us. With not much else to say, I knew the conversation was winding down, and suddenly I was reminded of what Justin had done on the beach a few days ago. Before I knew what was happening, I had asked the guy if there was anything we could pray about. He was clearly surprised by the question, but simultaneously grateful as he told us how we could pray for him.
Looking back, I find it sad how so often we get caught up in our own lives that it never occurs to us that the person beside us may be hurting, even within the christian community. The man I spoke with in that coffee shop was Christian and had extensive family connections in ministry and missions. And yet, he was surprised that we asked if we could pray for him. Something’s wrong with that.
I want to live in a culture where asking for prayer, and asking to pray for people is so common that it’s just a regular part of life. And that’s what I want my world race to look like. Lets climb out of our own independent worlds and look for people to pray with. Lets stop waiting for Sunday before we think about doing ministry. Let’s stop waiting for the mission trips, before we bother to share Gods love with those around us.
Ministry isn’t a 9-5 job. It’s not a mission trip. It’s not church one day a week. Ministry needs to be a lifestyle. So let’s stop waiting, and let our ministry start now.
* If there’s anything in your life that you’d like prayer for, please contact me. Email me at [email protected] or give me a call at 608-220-1660. I’d love to talk with you.
You can be praying for me by agreeing in prayer that the remaining $11,000 needed until I’m fully funded will come in quickly. AND I’d also love prayer for both me and my squad as we prepare to launch in 47 days! Safety and peace are good places to start. THANK YOU!
