Response to “Elephants in the Room” The best scenario we’ve been able to see played out is a preemptive strike per se. Building a solid relationship with these individuals and communicating acceptance and trust before the need for confrontation occurs seems to make all the difference in the world. Secondly, a “three strikes your out” protocol seems to work well. If it is genuinely a behavior that is destructive and also one that is in denial – the first confrontation should be educational, not confrontational. If the behavior continues, stricter guidelines are in place to help hold the individual accountable and establish healthier accountability and boundaries. Only as a last resort and in the face of absolute defiance and rebellion does the severing of partnership occur – I do not mean severing of relationship, but removal from a project to a healthier environment or other such drastic move. Finally, the presentation of humility and freedom to allow the spirit to intervene is key. We take all such relationships to prayer and encourage participation with the individual to allow the spirit of the Lord to be the mediator and not a man. This places us together looking toward the Lord in stead of two opposing forces on opposite battle lines. Drinking Games In all of my exposure to the countries of the world, I have yet to find anything as divisive as the subject of alcohol. In Ireland and China, alcohol can win you the right to be heard, in Peru and Swaziland it can ruin your testimony irreversibly. We had an interesting scenario come up last year on the race, however, that threw some complexity into this discussion. Last year in Mozambique, we had two teams living and networking out of a base run by some South African mariners. They actually lived at a mini-resort and communed alongside a host of paid staff working at the compound. The meals were prepared by a trained chef and the boats always seemed available for down times. This location served only as a housing location, ministry for our teams was still to be focused out into the local community with the indigenous Mozambiquean people. The kitchen had an open bar policy which was extended to our teams. The “good-ole-boys” always enjoyed a drink after their day on the water or working around the compound. Our teams were offered drinks all the time and opportunities galore to short-the-breeze and build relationships with these individuals. Strictly from a ministry perspective, what should our racers do? Paul says “become all things to all men” – how does this principle apply in this situation?
