At training camp we were told some groups may have a “beach” experience and others a “bush” experience. What was meant by this is that there are times that we will be doing ministry in the bush with no comforts, and it will seem like other teams are constantly doing ministry on the beach enjoying certain comforts, even pitching their tents on the beach each night! The point of sharing this with us was to say, that no matter what our situation looks llke we ought to trust in God, that the experience He has for us is His best for us and not to compare our ministry assignments to other groups.
Well, in India my team had both a “bush” and “beach” experience. For sure there were certain comforts that came from living in a tourist town for most of the month. Seeing american food again after a week of super spicy (yet delicious) food was one we were particularly excited about. But also, the beauty of Hampi is one that I won’t easily forget in this lifetime. The rice fields, the people, the scenic views were all pulling for us to have a “beach” experience. However, our living situation for sure ensured that the “bush” was playing for the win.
The lizards, and bugs used our outdoor bathroom more then we did. The heat was stiffling at times, and our beloved fans turned off between the hours of 10AM – 6PM as regulated by the governement, so sweating was a team wide activity. And we had multi-legged visitors that we would have prefferred not to have to extend hospitality towards.
One night as we were sitting on the floor and snake slithered by my teammate and we all jumped up and screamed for help! Thank God for our friends next door at the local restaurant…they came to the rescue. The next night after a black out, we saw a humoungous spider. Our team time that night involved trying to capture and remove this spider from our hut. As soon as we did, we discovered a FAMILY of scorpions in the kitchen where our belongings were. This required recruits…so we screamed for our neighbors again!
No electricity, tons of bugs, sweat, tears and screams! We were uncomfortable to say the least. From the outside looking in we looked like we were embracing a month of “beach” ministry, but for sure our living conditions stretched us and ensured that we also had a “bush” experience.
But in our discomfort, in the s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g, we for sure had a special opportunity to meet God. We could have pushed to experience all the comforts offered to us, but in pressing into the experience we embraced all of what God had for us in India. I wasn’t comfortable, but I was right where God wanted me. Every discomfort, and every stretching element was met with endurance, perseverance, and God’s grace. Looking back on India now, I’m glad we choose “in” and experienced the fullness of God’s plans for us while there.
So what? Why am I telling you about the discomforts of last month? Well, I learned that without pressing in, I would have missed God’s best for me. So, press into the uncomfortable…there are things God has for you there. Things He doesn’t want you to miss…things you can’t afford to miss!
