Transitions are difficult. There is usually an unspoken awkwardness that exists that no one intends. These past couple of months have been all about transitions for me. First, we had squad wide team changes. Some of us were kept in leadership and others were brought in to give others a much needed rest. No team stayed the same. Everyone was put somewhere else. This month we have been adjusting to those transitions. A little over a week ago a new shift occurred when I decided to leave the world race (Please read this blog to be caught up to speed.) Now my team and I are going through the process of me leaving and having another leader step up. Also, in the last two weeks of my ministry I am trying fully to invest in what is going on here, and not worry about if I will have a job back home and how I will pay my bills. Truly, I desire to make the most of every opportunity, but I also can’t neglect that fact that I have to process what is about to happen so I don’t enter the states completely blindsided what actually happens compared to my expectations of what I think should happen.
I don’t have any idea what I would say to you if you asked me what God taught me in my five months on the field. I don’t even know if people will ask me that. For the past five months I have had people, even you, genuinely interested in how I am doing. It isn’t like back home where some passes you in a public place and casualy asks, “Hi. How are you?” and then immediately keeps walking. People are invested in me and I am invested in them. I know I will get asked about my trip and what my favorite country was, but will anyone genuinely be interested in the work the Lord is doing and not about my experience? I don’t know. I won’t hold any grandstand performance trying to rally the troops to go into overseas missions. Do I think you should? Yes. Is that my decision to make for you? No. That is between you and God. Do I think the World Race is for you? Yes. Obviously you do to, or otherwise you wouldn’t be here contemplating whether or not to sign up. (Go ahead! Click here to fill out the quick application.)
I don’t want to force people to listen to me, but I also will not remain silent until they ask. What if no one asks? I don’t need someone to ask about my time abroad in order to demonstrate the work the Lord has done in and through me. It should be evident in my actions. I cannot change the church. I cannot change people. Only God can. As the saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” People may ask me, “What are your plans when you arrive back home?” Honestly, the only thing that is currently on my list of things to do is to serve.
Jesus did come not to be served, but to serve. That is the best example I have. That is what I strive to be. You may find me cleaning toilets. You may find me at a nanny job. You may find me on your TV doing some acting. Who knows? All I can tell you is that the Lord will bless the works of my hands. I am walking in obedience and in his favor. There is no other place to be, and from there I serve. On the ground as I break my Alabaster jar and pour myself out at his feet.
