The other day we were traveling on an urban freeway. The driver
was busy with traffic, off-ramps and road hazards. I was busy observing all I
could see in this city-not-my-own. A few low-flying birds caught my attention.
In amazement I watched the birds carefully navigate many
dangers to flight. Power lines, fast-moving trucks, various roof-lines and
fences were hazards that could have knocked them out but the birds persisted in
their flight pattern, dodging every hazard and successfully landed in a small
patch of grass between roadways.
Once they were firmly on the ground, the birds stood still and
looked around. Then they fixed their gaze on the birds-of-their-feather already
there. The new arrivals looked like they weren’t sure what to do after
successfully navigating the obstacles and finally arriving at their
destination. Just before they went out of my sight I saw two of the
already-there-birds walk over to the new arrivals. “Ahh,” I thought, “at least “somebird”
(somebody) sees their need and will help them on the ground.”
My thoughts went on to liken this bird scenario to
missionaries arriving at their ministry location for the first time, or even
the 10th time. Throughout a missionary’s time of preparation we each
face many hazards that could knock us out of flight. We must learn to navigate
gathering a prayer team, partnering with financial investors, legal
requirements for living in the new location, paperwork for accountability,
family obligations and desires, schedules and more. It is not for the
feint-of-heart!
The enemy of our souls interjects thoughts and skews
understanding in so many ways, hoping to keep missionaries from successfully
landing where God invites us to join Him. And the enemy doesn’t stop when we do
land in the place of God’s invitation. Doubts can quickly arise. Thoughts of
inadequacy and reminders of our inexperience can swirl like a dense fog
bringing limited visibility.
I am so glad God’s invitation to us to join Him in what He
is doing includes being the “somebodies” that see the needs of missionaries
just arriving and help them on the ground. We find joy in preparing for the
arrival of our teammates, laying the groundwork for the entry into Uganda and
preparing for mentorship. It is a
privilege to celebrate God’s faithfulness with each arrival, recounting
together God’s navigation guidance that enabled them to reach their
destination. Sharing Scripture, praying together, helping folks learn where to
shop and how to greet people in the local language begins to lift the fog.
Providing meals, assisting with childcare, interpreting cultural norms and
introducing them to new friends increases visibility. We are grateful for the
privilege of helping missionaries thrive!
Now in the U.S. for a few months of homeland ministry
assignment, we are once again navigating the flight pattern that leads back to
Uganda. We are gathering prayer warriors and financial partners. We are filling
out paperwork, spending all possible time with family and juggling schedule
requests.
Our hearts are grateful for those who minister to us along
the journey. We are being loved on, fed, hosted lavishly, supported lovingly
and cared for in every way. We are prayed over, donated to, hugged and
challenged. Through this we are renewed, restored, strengthened and our vision
clarity is increasing. We look forward to returning to Uganda mid-summer of
this year. We are eager to re-join our team already there. Though there is
still much to navigate on the way we are confident our God and His people will get
us there to continue doing all that God invites us to do with Him.
What about you? Is there someone in your neighborhood,
workplace, school or church that has just “landed” and is hoping somebody will
see their need and help them? Is God inviting you to join what He is doing in
someone’s life, helping them navigate a difficult flight pattern? Might God be
prompting you to extend partnership to a missionary? Our prayer is that we each
one listen to God’s voice and be courageous in our obedience. Someone is
depending on it!
Christine
