“Well, I’ve made up my mind, anyway. I want to see mountains again, Gandalf – mountains. And then find somewhere I can rest. In peace and quiet.” – Bilbo Baggins
Close to a year ago today I posted my first blog away from home. “I feel like Bilbo running out of Bag End,” I wrote, “excited for adventure, but realizing the weight of what I’ve really committed to.” A year later, I’m reminded of Bilbo’s continued journey—of his homecoming and the desire to again experience the unknown. Now, I’m in the unknown again. This marks the official beginning of the World Race, Pt. 2: Team Leading.
I’m writing this from the back porch of our home in Costa Rica, looking over mountains and forests, listening to the chirping of birds and the movement of wind through branches. I’m experiencing a familiar fondness at being on the field again, but it isn’t quite nostalgia because of the new faces and responsibilities. This is the continuation of the World Race, but it’s a new experience as it isn’t necessarily my Race.
Things look different this time. Last year my ministry was whatever community we were in, and it is to some extent this time around, but my main focus is the discipleship and growth of the guys on my team. I’m stepping into the role of Team Leader—leading team times, having one on ones, and setting tones at ministry—so even though I still go to ministry, my main focus is the guys.
im really excited for what the next few months are going to look like. The ministries we’re involved in are some of the purest ministries I’ve seen—loving like Christ for the sake of loving like Christ. I think the impact will be profound both in our lives and the communities we‘re in.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me! I’ll be posting more in the coming weeks about community and what the Lord’s doing. If you want to follow the next few months hit that subscribe button 🙂
