My Thesis:
When men of God unite with a common vision, a precedent is
set that calls forth the weary, worn down, and bored into an existence filled
with edification, adventure, and respect.
My Case:
For the month of December, the men of my squad are united
not only with a singular vision but also in one location. Specifically, we are working with a
missionary couple, Ray and Candace, in the Northern villages of Thailand
working with the Karen people. Over the
last two weeks all of us men have lived in tents on a 7 acre plot of land
recently purchased by two local pastors.
The tasks laid before us were to devoid the land of banana and palm tree
debris, build a bathroom, clean out a pond, machete dead trees to oblivion and
live in community as men of God as royalty in rags as authoritative creatures
in God’s kingdom. Bring on the sweat.
The opportunity to be surrounded by so many men that are
pursuing God’s favor and promises is something I could not take lightly. There I was, living in the woods with 15 men
who had declared with their lifestyle, “My desire is to see the kingdom
expanded, lives molded, and the unknown to become commonplace.” What does this look like? Bible studies hourly? Scripture memorization daily? Fasting weekly? It could, but not quite.
It looks like exploring a cave carved by a river that still
runs through it. It comes to fruition as
coconuts are hurled into fiery blazes. It‘s
seen as bodies are launched from one white water raft to the next or in a game
of river football-right before bathing in the same water. Glimpses are seen when powerful legs propel
torsos and appendages over campfires, and impromptu games of soccer with the
locals end in a tie. Kingdom expansion
includes hauling hoses, chopping trees, and jamming on the djembe. It often requires packing: into beds of trucks, Christmas gifts for
villagers, and all personal belongings to go where few do.
Amidst the adventure, though, there is something of far
greater depth that calls forth freedom and restoration. A community of men edifies the person and
challenges the lapses. United men call
out the lie and replace it with identity, respect, and admiration. A brotherhood doesn’t stand for bull, and empowers
the wounded and weary. We are men that
are racing to see the mountain peak, but recognize that we have not arrived.
From where we’re at the view is captivating, but the route
requires more trailblazing. A precedent
has been set for us, and we’re slowly, ever so slowly, becoming. Becoming more whole. Becoming more free. Becoming more man.
My Conclusion:
There is a pull, as strong as gravity, for men to come forth
from the pews of apathy to the wilderness of discovery. From the graveyard of repetition to the
forests of freedom. From the cultural
calls of complacency to the depths of exploration. My teammate, Will, expressed his vision for
the World Race in what I believe is the ultimate adventure: “To discover the God of the Bible.” As a community of men, it should be our duty,
desire, and delight to take on such a worthy undertaking.
My Thoughts:
How about yours?
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*Photos provided by Josh Woodmansee and DJ Kelley
