In the Spring of 1995, I was finishing my last semester of Greek and continuing to explore various ministry opportunities. A friend of mine was preparing to go on an internship with Pioneer Bible Translators to Papua New Guinea. I had no idea how radically my life was about to change. He encouraged me to attend their training program, called Pioneer Mission Institute, being held that year at Dallas Christian College. I took time off from work and traveled to Dallas in a rental car.
The first couple days, I was overwhelmed with linguistics, as new terms and concepts bombarded my brain. I was used to picking things up quickly, but I felt out of place as others in the classes clearly knew far more than I. By Tuesday I was ready to give up. At lunch break I got in my car and started driving around, talking to God and searching my heart to see if I was truly where He wanted me. After much driving and processing, I promised God that I would stay the whole week and give myself time to decide what to do with these new experiences. This would be a pivotal moment in my life.
That evening, the West Africa Branch made its presentation about their work and needs. God cut through all my fear and doubts and gave me a clear sign that I was to work on this team. I was in tears as I sought prayer from others for how best to proceed. The remainder of the week went much better, and I left with a profound sense of peace and direction.
They announced that there would be an internship to West Africa the following year, and I committed to being on that team. I was confident that I could receive training and do whatever role God called me to. But I was concerned that I would be unable to survive and thrive in Africa. I had to experience it to see for myself just what I was getting into.
God provided for me to go on that trip with just enough support. It would prove to be a theme for later years. I spent two months in a small African country, learning language, meeting missionaries, and getting an accurate picture of the life that was unfolding before me. I knew by the end that I would never survive on my own in a remote village. I would need to work alongside a family if I had any hope of being effective. I left with a vision of what I had to do, and I trusted that God would provide when I was ready.
I finished another year of Bible college, then moved to Dallas to begin linguistic training. In those years I began to shift focus from translation to literacy, as many translation teams needed dedicated literacy specialists to assist them. When I was wrapping things up in 1999, I was asked to lead the intern team to West Africa. I accepted this responsibility and made preparations. This summer proved to be a defining moment in my life.
It was good to visit some of the same villages again and reconnect with the missionaries. I excelled at language learning, having recently taken the linguistic classes. I admit at times I functioned less like a leader or coach and more like an intern as I felt more prepared and able to handle things better than on my first internship. Things came into focus for me while we were in a small town, staying with a missionary family. He was the current Branch Director. He and I sat down one afternoon to discuss how I could best be used to help the Branch. As we discussed my abilities and the Branch's needs, we found a position in the capital, where I would be able to interact with several missionaries. I would manage the print shop, helping to prepare and publish Scripture and literacy portions in local languages, freeing up translators and literacy specialists to do more of what they had been trained and called to do. I returned home with a new focus and vision for my life.
I spent the next three years raising support, learning French and making final preparations to return to Africa. I was struggling to raise enough support to start full-time ministry, but I was able to go for a short-term trip in early 2002. I spent four months learning how the work was done and finding ways to improve upon it. Not only did I demonstrate to the Branch that I was the right man for the job, but I also returned that summer to find the additional support I needed to return in September full-time. When I set foot in Africa in September of 2002, I was a missionary! God had redeemed me, and I continue to walk in obedience to Him.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
How Do You Turn a Meteorologist into a Missionary Part 3
I found myself at Florida Christian College the Fall of 1992. I was five years older than the average freshman, and I had no idea where to start. Costs were high, so I only took a few hours each semester. I still remember that first quarter (we changed to semesters later) taking Life of Christ, Planned Preaching, and Prayer Lab, courses that were very different and demonstrated my search for who I was. Several professors and the Academic Dean suggested I go to a seminary, but I was content where I was. After a final wave of exasperation, I was allowed to register for what I wanted.
I soon began to see the foolishness in my strategy that year as I took a wide variety of classes and helped in the area of youth ministry in local churches. I was still trying to find my fit, but so far I was just managing to find all the things I wasn't good at. The obvious lack of a plan was demonstrated when I was encouraged to take Greek my second year by several friends. I had no idea what that would put in motion.
I loved Greek. It was ordered, it made sense, and I excelled at it. It helped that I was only taking one or two other classes with it, so I had lots of time for study and review. Some of my classmates were a bit upset with me, as they were taking full course loads. I went on to take two years of Greek with the same core of guys. Our professor made it clear to us not only how to use Greek to improve preaching, but challenged us to consider how it works with Bible translation, helping to spell out the meanings that are so crucial in communicating to another language and culture. He inspired several of us to pursue Bible translation ministry, and it ultimately led to my decision to become a missionary. I owe a lot to Mike Chambers and those classmates from 15 years ago.
I soon began to see the foolishness in my strategy that year as I took a wide variety of classes and helped in the area of youth ministry in local churches. I was still trying to find my fit, but so far I was just managing to find all the things I wasn't good at. The obvious lack of a plan was demonstrated when I was encouraged to take Greek my second year by several friends. I had no idea what that would put in motion.
I loved Greek. It was ordered, it made sense, and I excelled at it. It helped that I was only taking one or two other classes with it, so I had lots of time for study and review. Some of my classmates were a bit upset with me, as they were taking full course loads. I went on to take two years of Greek with the same core of guys. Our professor made it clear to us not only how to use Greek to improve preaching, but challenged us to consider how it works with Bible translation, helping to spell out the meanings that are so crucial in communicating to another language and culture. He inspired several of us to pursue Bible translation ministry, and it ultimately led to my decision to become a missionary. I owe a lot to Mike Chambers and those classmates from 15 years ago.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Is My Life a Movie? Part 2
Last year, my teammates traveled to two of our fields to take pictures and capture video. I stayed behind to look after things in Dallas. What follows is an essay I wrote detailing how I coped with this time in my life.
My team has left the building. While I stay in Dallas to wrap up projects and troubleshoot problems that arise, my teammates are traversing West Africa, taking pictures and recording video to help us better tell the story of what God is doing through His people there. When I was told, "Yes, the team is going, but you are staying," I was devastated. I had lived and worked in Africa for four years, and I wanted to go back and tie up some loose ends from my hasty departure. For a time I was upset, but God helped me to see that my staying was just as important as their going.
I tend to want to help people, especially close friends. I knew that my experiences would be a benefit to them on their journey. I was struggling with how I could help from afar when Adam shared a recent realization he'd had. He realized that life in America was like the Shire from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings", and that the trip to Africa would be like going into Mordor. I readily related to this analogy, but at first I was struck even harder. I had always resonated with Samwise Gamgee, the hobbit gardener who became Frodo's companion. Sam's goal was to help Frodo, and I felt my goal was to help my team by going with them.
A few days before my team was to leave, God gave me another application of the analogy. I could not be Sam for my team, so I realized I had to be Aragorn. Aragorn was just as committed to aiding Frodo in his quest, but after the attack of the Uruk-hai and the temptation of Boromir by the Ring, Aragorn knew that he could not go with Frodo to Mordor. Instead, he and the others in the broken Fellowship fought battles and rallied allies so that Frodo could complete his mission.
Realizing I was Aragorn freed me to accept my role of the one who stayed behind. I wasn't worthless to the team. If anything I was even more valuable to my team in making certain that our department was well-represented in their absence. As Aragorn's heroic assault on the Black Gate allowed Frodo to further penetrate Mordor, my work in Dallas allows my team to focus on their mission and not worry about problems here.
I still resonate with Samwise when possible, helping my team. That time will come when they return home. But for now, I am Aragorn, and though I am not with them, we are working together toward the same goal. Sharing God's love, and motivating others to do the same. I am proud to be a part of that mission, whether here in Dallas or traveling across the world.
My team has left the building. While I stay in Dallas to wrap up projects and troubleshoot problems that arise, my teammates are traversing West Africa, taking pictures and recording video to help us better tell the story of what God is doing through His people there. When I was told, "Yes, the team is going, but you are staying," I was devastated. I had lived and worked in Africa for four years, and I wanted to go back and tie up some loose ends from my hasty departure. For a time I was upset, but God helped me to see that my staying was just as important as their going.
I tend to want to help people, especially close friends. I knew that my experiences would be a benefit to them on their journey. I was struggling with how I could help from afar when Adam shared a recent realization he'd had. He realized that life in America was like the Shire from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings", and that the trip to Africa would be like going into Mordor. I readily related to this analogy, but at first I was struck even harder. I had always resonated with Samwise Gamgee, the hobbit gardener who became Frodo's companion. Sam's goal was to help Frodo, and I felt my goal was to help my team by going with them.
A few days before my team was to leave, God gave me another application of the analogy. I could not be Sam for my team, so I realized I had to be Aragorn. Aragorn was just as committed to aiding Frodo in his quest, but after the attack of the Uruk-hai and the temptation of Boromir by the Ring, Aragorn knew that he could not go with Frodo to Mordor. Instead, he and the others in the broken Fellowship fought battles and rallied allies so that Frodo could complete his mission.
Realizing I was Aragorn freed me to accept my role of the one who stayed behind. I wasn't worthless to the team. If anything I was even more valuable to my team in making certain that our department was well-represented in their absence. As Aragorn's heroic assault on the Black Gate allowed Frodo to further penetrate Mordor, my work in Dallas allows my team to focus on their mission and not worry about problems here.
I still resonate with Samwise when possible, helping my team. That time will come when they return home. But for now, I am Aragorn, and though I am not with them, we are working together toward the same goal. Sharing God's love, and motivating others to do the same. I am proud to be a part of that mission, whether here in Dallas or traveling across the world.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Is My Life a Movie? Part 1
When the Lord of the Rings movies were released, I was in Africa. When I had the opportunity to sit and watch them all, I was mesmerized. I loved the story, and I resonated with the characters. What follows is an essay I wrote describing how I relate to one character in particular.
I enjoy movies. I especially enjoy them when I resonate with one or more of the characters. From the first time I watched Star Wars, I was Luke Skywalker. I haven’t resonated at that level until the recent Lord of the Rings trilogy was released. Watching all three while serving as a missionary has helped me to resonate with Samwise Gamgee. In the evolution and development of Sam’s character I saw a model of how I was changing and developing as a support worker.
I saw first that it takes a team. Frodo is given a task, and slowly a team develops around him to help accomplish this task. The team starts with Sam. If there is no reason for Frodo to go, Sam stays in Hobbiton. He even marks the furthest distance from home he has traveled, and Frodo helps him cross that line. When Sam momentarily loses Frodo in the cornfield, he loses his purpose. When the fellowship is broken, Sam manages to stick with Frodo. Though the others indirectly help Frodo reach his goal, only Sam is there by his side, encouraging him to take another step. Translating the Bible takes a team. God assembles the team; I choose to serve the team with the abilities God gives me.
Throughout The Two Towers, Sam is continually worn down physically by the terrain and emotionally by the taunts of Gollum. I see in that the danger of losing focus and purpose through pride. Though Frodo would be wise to heed Sam’s cautions, Frodo sees the benefit to having a guide. Sam’s desire for the best for Frodo blinds him to the temporary good Gollum is doing. Sam’s soliloquy at the end shows he’s beginning to see the bigger picture and his place in it. I, too, must put aside my pride and choose to serve my team, even when I feel under attack.
The Return of the King is Sam’s finest hour, though at first he is forced to return home through Gollum’s trickery. He loses his purpose of helping Frodo and has no idea what to do. Until he finds the evidence of Gollum’s deceit, he is defeated. Afterward, he is charged up to go help Frodo. Often, the missionary is deceived or tricked and is tempted to give up. But keeping in touch with the Truth will keep our feet on the path.
Perhaps the most moving scene for me occurs in Mordor. Frodo is steadily weakening under the weight of the ring. He makes a valiant push, but he falls to the ground. Seeing his friend’s desire and pain, Sam screws up his courage, and with renewed strength, says, “Then let’s be rid of it! Come on Mr. Frodo. I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!” He puts Frodo on his back and takes him to the entrance of Mount Doom. As a support worker, I can’t translate or preach in a foreign language, but I can motivate and encourage those who do. Or I can print books so the translator can spend more time translating and preaching.
Some may ask where my motivation and strength come from to encourage others. To know that I have helped my team solve their problems or have made their job easier is fuel to me, helping me to stay strong. If I find that I am not helping another through my efforts, I begin struggling to find purpose and direction. God chose to make me like that, so I strive to serve Him and my brothers in Christ with all of my abilities. That is my model of a support worker.
I enjoy movies. I especially enjoy them when I resonate with one or more of the characters. From the first time I watched Star Wars, I was Luke Skywalker. I haven’t resonated at that level until the recent Lord of the Rings trilogy was released. Watching all three while serving as a missionary has helped me to resonate with Samwise Gamgee. In the evolution and development of Sam’s character I saw a model of how I was changing and developing as a support worker.
I saw first that it takes a team. Frodo is given a task, and slowly a team develops around him to help accomplish this task. The team starts with Sam. If there is no reason for Frodo to go, Sam stays in Hobbiton. He even marks the furthest distance from home he has traveled, and Frodo helps him cross that line. When Sam momentarily loses Frodo in the cornfield, he loses his purpose. When the fellowship is broken, Sam manages to stick with Frodo. Though the others indirectly help Frodo reach his goal, only Sam is there by his side, encouraging him to take another step. Translating the Bible takes a team. God assembles the team; I choose to serve the team with the abilities God gives me.
Throughout The Two Towers, Sam is continually worn down physically by the terrain and emotionally by the taunts of Gollum. I see in that the danger of losing focus and purpose through pride. Though Frodo would be wise to heed Sam’s cautions, Frodo sees the benefit to having a guide. Sam’s desire for the best for Frodo blinds him to the temporary good Gollum is doing. Sam’s soliloquy at the end shows he’s beginning to see the bigger picture and his place in it. I, too, must put aside my pride and choose to serve my team, even when I feel under attack.
The Return of the King is Sam’s finest hour, though at first he is forced to return home through Gollum’s trickery. He loses his purpose of helping Frodo and has no idea what to do. Until he finds the evidence of Gollum’s deceit, he is defeated. Afterward, he is charged up to go help Frodo. Often, the missionary is deceived or tricked and is tempted to give up. But keeping in touch with the Truth will keep our feet on the path.
Perhaps the most moving scene for me occurs in Mordor. Frodo is steadily weakening under the weight of the ring. He makes a valiant push, but he falls to the ground. Seeing his friend’s desire and pain, Sam screws up his courage, and with renewed strength, says, “Then let’s be rid of it! Come on Mr. Frodo. I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!” He puts Frodo on his back and takes him to the entrance of Mount Doom. As a support worker, I can’t translate or preach in a foreign language, but I can motivate and encourage those who do. Or I can print books so the translator can spend more time translating and preaching.
Some may ask where my motivation and strength come from to encourage others. To know that I have helped my team solve their problems or have made their job easier is fuel to me, helping me to stay strong. If I find that I am not helping another through my efforts, I begin struggling to find purpose and direction. God chose to make me like that, so I strive to serve Him and my brothers in Christ with all of my abilities. That is my model of a support worker.
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