It’s about that time…
Sometimes when we are preparing to head back out after time in the United States, people say, “enjoy your trip!” In some ways, the sentiment is well received; it’s an awkward interaction and people don’t know what to say.
At the same time, one of our goals is to disciple supporting churches and Christian community stateside in the concept of long-term, faithful, costly mission. It is our aim to take the time and effort to prayerfully evangelize then disciple people well on the ground, making that place home until further notice.
The tables have turned for us; going east is truly returning home. We love the places and the people the Lord has called us to minister in and to. The roads are dusty, the daily reality is raw, conflict and suffering is in your face. Syncretism abounds—the meshing of religions and practices—and discipling people in the faith is work and sacrifice and joy. The stories are a mixed bag. Many faithful testimonies, while others turn and run the other way.
Shared tea times, meals from the same dish, laughter and football, study of the Word with people walking miles to reach the gathering place, sincere prayer, living room conversations, long walks, witnessing and training, small gatherings of faithful and those growing, and answering honest questions are a short list of the things we would not trade for the world.
But man…it is hard to leave these mountains. Goodbyes are bitter, even as arrivals are sweet. No one relishes hugging the necks of those they love for the last time for a long time. The foods and the roads and the culture and experiences we grew up with feels like an earlier life in a series of lives the Lord has graciously given, all growing us into the people he has cut and shaped us to be in this season for this purpose.
A dear older brother who came to faith in Christ later in life asked me last night in evening service: “why would you want to go to a place far off like that, when you’ve got all of this right here?” I loved the simplicity and honesty of his question. He’s right on track.
This fellowship is something I love from my soul and with all my life. No follower of Christ would want to leave this! The songs of truth sung alongside brothers and sisters who are my family. The faithful exposition of the Word of God for the people of God, not manipulation or deception. Praying for the local community, then living out our faith. The same for one another, the household of faith, and to the nations. Something here grips you and you don’t wanna go away, because the Church is a glad and bright light of truth in a world of darkness and brokenness, still needing the light.
The Lord has called us to go. His people, the Church, must make the gospel message known to every language, tribe, and nation, that they be saved, baptized, and discipled. That the fullness of God’s glory would be made known. John Piper says that missions exist because worship does not; this is the perfect summation in brief. How can they repent and believe and worship and celebrate such a fellowship if no one makes Christ known?
I shared with my friend who asked that great question: we have to go because God commands his people to do so, and the people we are ministering to don’t have what we celebrate in our church fellowship and in our families and for eternity. While they live, they must hear. While we live, we must proclaim. In light of the reality of sin, the gospel, and eternity, we have to go.
Take a minute to watch this spoken word:
Brothers and sisters: thank you for praying, for partnering, for showing us care, for opening your homes and fellowship halls and pulpits. We love you in a capacity words cannot express; still, it is time for us to go.
Our sending Church gathered around us and prayed over our pressing needs, our upcoming travels, and the mission the Lord has set before us. Our eyes were full of tears, our hearts full.
Please join us in praying for these final days in North Carolina. We mourn our departure while celebrating our arrival: our reunions, the meetings and holiday discipleship ahead, our prison visits and opportunities in schools, children’s program, and outreach.
May the living and Triune God receive all the glory from our simple lives. To Him be the glory now and forever.
