Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Voyage continues - Starting Season # 4

Last week marked the start of my Fourth Season as the Director of the EOC.
Looking back at the goals laid out in the fall of 2006, as we began a reshaping of the ministry, I have the sense that we are on a big ship (like the Titanic), and we have been turning on the wheel as fast as possible. And even though the rudder changes direction immediately, the ship is slow to respond.

Yet looking back, with perspective, the "ship" has responded & changed its course. I believe we have avoided some of the icebergs, and charted a new course.

The sea may still bring waves. We will still experience stormy weather. We may even get sea-sick. But I believe we have lessened the likelihood of sinking from hitting an iceberg.

I have often thought of our ministry & the roles we play through the illustration of a ship. I have spoke before about the assessment of what type of ship the ministry would represent, as well as our personal roles as members of the ship's crew.

I must admit that I have always had an affinity for the water. I have always dreamed of sailing around the world. I love adventure. I love movies that involve ships. (Master Commander, Pirate movies etc) So bear with me as I continue to illustrate our ministry through the image of being on a ship at sea.

I have been on this voyage (in Mexico) for 7 & 1/2 years, and starting the fourth season in my current role. Here are a few thoughts on our voyage as we head into the 2010 season:

The type of ship is far less important than the capability of her crew & the ship's capability.

In order to sail (leave port), we need to prepare & train, but also realize there is some inherent risk in setting out on the high seas. [sickness, mechanical failure, etc]

The ships crew has an awesome responsibility to its passengers & cargo, to navigate correctly (utilizing the proper charts) as well as operate efficiently as one team, in order to arrive at the destination.

We need to have permission to enter into a Port (village) and partner with local leaders.

The crew needs to prepare sufficient food (nourishment) for all the passengers & crew.

Its important to know the ships limitations so as to not run aground, capsize or sink.

We need to leave room onboard for rescuing people lost at sea.

Its important to prepare the ship's passengers to visit Ports (villages), so their impact is fruitful.

Of critical importance is knowing the way-point (the heading), or we will be lost at sea as well.

As we have set sail for another missional voyage in Mexico we are planning to accommodate more than 1,800 passengers and visit 24 ports of call. Hundreds of families & children will be visited & touched, both in the ports (villages) and on the ship.

Pray for us; for the ship's crew, for the passengers & for the people lost at sea who need rescuing. Also pray for the occasional stow-away that pops up.

2010 promises to provide a passenger list more diverse and multi-national than ever before. Similarly the crew varies in age, experience & nationality. But one thing remains thread throughout the people on the ship; a spirit of hope & love in Jesus and for one another.

Pray also for safe passage, as pirates do exist (seen & unseen), and for a strengthening of the hull (armor) of the ship & its crew.

Finally, please pray for me, that I will correctly discern the "Heading" and navigate the ship correctly. Additionally that I will properly equip the crew (EOC Staff), so we may serve all the passengers & their mission in a way that honors the purpose of the Voyage.

May all who come in contact with us this year know why we have come, who sent us, and why He cares for them!

Thanks for being able to see the message through the journey.