It
is “holiday” here in South Africa when most people are taking an extended leave
from work and school. Unlike in the
states where taking vacation is tough to do, the whole country seems to be
taking a break. Store hours, train
schedules, even our “ministry” is affected by said holiday. When we arrived we learned we would not have
a consistent schedule playing soccer with the kids at the nearby Capricorn
township. This week we have “afternoons
off” because the kids don’t have school and are supposedly not around to play. I would’ve thought the exact opposite.
So instead we are doing “ministry” on the beach where said kids are
supposed to be. It is only day #2 of
beach ministry and I’m struggling internally. I feel guilty about tossing a
football and kicking a soccer ball around while in my bathing suit getting a
tan. This couldn’t possibly be what
ministry looks like? This doesn’t feel
like I’m serving? Shouldn’t I be talking to people about God? Or even more simply, shouldn’t I be more
intentional to start conversations with strangers. Am I waiting for God to run me into someone?
Am I a being too complacent?
I
think this tension I am feeling is good.
There
are definitely times on this Race when I can become a little too self focused,
making sure my needs/desires are met; working to ensure my comfort. Given the option of going to the township to
play in the dirty sand pit we call a soccer field or playing in the cool breeze
at the ocean, I’d choose the beach every time.
Is this selfish? If God was
leading me to the sand pit would I listen or ignore Him opting for my
choice? But God gave us a choice and
instead of beating myself up for not choosing that which in my opinion is the
more sacrificial option, I must remain confident He calls us to serve joyfully
and live life abundantly.
There
shouldn’t be a division between ministry time and time off. I should be willing and ready to serve God
regardless of what the schedule says. I
should be open and look for opportunities to share His love with anyone and
everyone from the kids in the township, to the man at the produce stand where
we buy fruit, to the people sitting next to us on the train. I should also
enjoy the blessings God has given me like being in one of the most beautiful
places on earth. So whether I’m playing
soccer with kids, hiking Table Mountain, working at the township day care, or cage
diving with Great White sharks I need to remember that God is working in ways
I’ll never fully realize. I need to
remember that bonding with my team and working through the challenges of
community is “ministry”. I need to
remember that sharing my experiences in this blog is “ministry”. Most importantly I need to remember as one
who lives with Christ in me, my entire life should be “ministry” which means
following the Great Command and Great Commission placed before me in all
seasons and places my journey of life takes me.
the words of Madonna, “Everybody spread the word! We’re going to have a
celebration. All across the world. In
every nation. It’s time for the good
times, forget about the bad times. We need a Holiday!! You can turn this world
around. And bring back all of the happy days.
Let love shine, and we will find, a way to come together, to make things
better. We need a holiday!!”*
*Please
note all 5 members of my team did not know said song and it is not because it is
a secular song it is because it didn’t touch their generation.
Oh
and yes, I went Cage Diving with Great White Sharks on Christmas Eve, making it
a white Christmas after all;) Here is a
video recap of our nail biting adventure!!
Enjoy!
