The life of a missionary is, by definition, one of intentionality.
Without intentionality in this information age, it's becoming easier to disengage from community by the minute.
I know. I've done it.
We can now sit in our homes and connect with the world through a 13" -- even a 2" -- screen.
Electronics and social media are wonderful tools for mass communication and millions of lives are shared instantly. Things that used to hold no interest now flood our telephones and laptops, as we rabidly share them. Who knew so much could be so interesting? And with so much noise on the world wide web, how do we tell an important story without becoming just another voice shouting alongside the other shouting voices? Further, how does a person live stories worth telling in this age of virtual reality?
As Gandalf said to Bilbo Baggins: "... The world is not in your books and maps [and computer screens]. It's out there."
It's easy to lose your own story in telling the stories of others. We no longer have to work at disconnecting from the only story that matters. And as Christian missionaries -- bringing, sharing and discovering Jesus everywhere we go -- community is the only story that matters.
But why?
God is about community; God is community (the Trinity) lived out. God wants true reconciliation for us -- the re-establishment of true community -- and has charged us with the task of helping Him.
At Students International, Dominican Republic, there are fourteen different stories to tell... And those are the sites alone. With many sites having two (or more) staff members, interns, volunteers, and nearly 1000 outreach participants every year, the number of good stories is not wanting. In this cacophony of good, which stories do we tell?
This is the tightrope act we are walking in the new media site: How do we find the still, small voice of God in the midst of all this good?
By stopping, listening, and going.
So we went.
After tackling many of the items awaiting us in our new site, we both took a deep breath and went for a walk. I (Clint) spent the summer in two of our ministry sites here in Jarabacoa: Boys Club and Men's Sports. Amy spent the bulk of her summer with the Women's Social Work site in El Callejon.
During the summer, I met many people with great stories. Amy and I both have stories we want to share-- both personal and organizational.
This summer, I accompanied Men's Sports site leader, Raul, to Dechi's house, where we invited him to join us at the 'play' (term for 'baseball field' here) in Cristo Rey*. Dechi enjoyed the opportunity to join a larger community of boys, and we were all able to share in the love of Jesus.
Amy and I went back to Cristo Rey recently to revisit some of the relationships I'd developed over the summer, and made some new ones, as well! While there, I wanted to stop by to see if Dechi was home. He wasn't at first, but his mom was quick to call him from wherever he was at the time, and we were all visiting within a few minutes!
After introducing them to Amy, we talked for a while. We also took a few photos, some of which, we are going to print and frame for them -- part of the ministry we're going to provide here. Many families have no photographs or portraits in their homes (when I think of all my family photos stuffed away in a box somewhere, I realize how valuable these photos really are). We want families, like Dechi's, to have photographic records of their children.
After visiting with them for a while, we were off to visit another family. Along the way, we met José, who took us to his house for a short visit. One of his neighbors had suffered a stroke recently, and we were allowed to visit and pray for her, as well. The family we had wanted to visit wasn't home, but the colmado across from their house was open, and we ended up spending time there with the woman who runs it.
She told us a little of her story and of her son's involvement with Men's Sports, introduced us to her family and friends, and made us feel welcomed and valued. We talked about things that will be both remembered and forgotten. What was said wasn't as important as the fact that things were being said.
As I reflect on everything that's happened since we moved to the DR, one thing is becoming clearer: relationships matter. It's how we receive love. Love is more important than information; love has to be intentional.
Whether you're in a developing nation, or living in Burbank, CA, Jesus' words remain true:
Our hopes and prayers are that while we are finding our way within that community, you are finding your way, too. Right where you are.
Until God calls you somewhere else.
Without intentionality in this information age, it's becoming easier to disengage from community by the minute.
I know. I've done it.
We can now sit in our homes and connect with the world through a 13" -- even a 2" -- screen.
Electronics and social media are wonderful tools for mass communication and millions of lives are shared instantly. Things that used to hold no interest now flood our telephones and laptops, as we rabidly share them. Who knew so much could be so interesting? And with so much noise on the world wide web, how do we tell an important story without becoming just another voice shouting alongside the other shouting voices? Further, how does a person live stories worth telling in this age of virtual reality?
As Gandalf said to Bilbo Baggins: "... The world is not in your books and maps [and computer screens]. It's out there."
It's easy to lose your own story in telling the stories of others. We no longer have to work at disconnecting from the only story that matters. And as Christian missionaries -- bringing, sharing and discovering Jesus everywhere we go -- community is the only story that matters.
But why?
God is about community; God is community (the Trinity) lived out. God wants true reconciliation for us -- the re-establishment of true community -- and has charged us with the task of helping Him.
At Students International, Dominican Republic, there are fourteen different stories to tell... And those are the sites alone. With many sites having two (or more) staff members, interns, volunteers, and nearly 1000 outreach participants every year, the number of good stories is not wanting. In this cacophony of good, which stories do we tell?
This is the tightrope act we are walking in the new media site: How do we find the still, small voice of God in the midst of all this good?
By stopping, listening, and going.
So we went.
After tackling many of the items awaiting us in our new site, we both took a deep breath and went for a walk. I (Clint) spent the summer in two of our ministry sites here in Jarabacoa: Boys Club and Men's Sports. Amy spent the bulk of her summer with the Women's Social Work site in El Callejon.
 |
| Dechi's family/neighbors |
During the summer, I met many people with great stories. Amy and I both have stories we want to share-- both personal and organizational.
Amy and I went back to Cristo Rey recently to revisit some of the relationships I'd developed over the summer, and made some new ones, as well! While there, I wanted to stop by to see if Dechi was home. He wasn't at first, but his mom was quick to call him from wherever he was at the time, and we were all visiting within a few minutes!
 |
| Jose at his home |
After visiting with them for a while, we were off to visit another family. Along the way, we met José, who took us to his house for a short visit. One of his neighbors had suffered a stroke recently, and we were allowed to visit and pray for her, as well. The family we had wanted to visit wasn't home, but the colmado across from their house was open, and we ended up spending time there with the woman who runs it.
 |
| Jose leading us to his home |
As I reflect on everything that's happened since we moved to the DR, one thing is becoming clearer: relationships matter. It's how we receive love. Love is more important than information; love has to be intentional.
Whether you're in a developing nation, or living in Burbank, CA, Jesus' words remain true:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:37-39
"I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34-35, emphasis addedLove is what people respond to, more than our doctrine, theology, or denomination. The triune God I believe in is intentional and lives in relationship; God is three persons, living in perfect harmony. Not only has he invited us to participate in that community, He's made the way possible.
Our hopes and prayers are that while we are finding our way within that community, you are finding your way, too. Right where you are.
Until God calls you somewhere else.
*More photos of the area and the people from our walk:
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