So, I'm going to Africa...

A little less than a year ago, I sat in the office of Pastor Martha Ward discussing with our pastoral team a trip to Malawi, Africa.  Our lead pastors were offering an opportunity for one of the associate pastors to accompany the team as the pastoral representative for 2013 Malawi trip.  Before I could even think of reasons why I should/shouldn't go, my good friend Pastor Thom Bryant said the trip wasn't going to work in his schedule due to schooling.  So, if I wanted to go, the opportunity was mine?!?!

Fast forward 11 months, and I am concerned I accepted this opportunity without the SLIGHTEST IDEA of what I was really getting myself into!!  Don't get me wrong, the team of missionaries I get to travel with is outstanding, we have a great leadership team, and I am excited to begin this new journey.

What I am referring to with my concern is that I may not be prepared for what I am getting myself into as it pertains to context and perspective.  Each and every Sunday, I have the PRIVILEGE of either helping to lead worship and/or preach in MY OWN COMFORTABLE CONTEXT.  We experience God in our own lives, encountering Him often within our understanding of the world.  

Occasionally, we have an opportunity to get a glimpse of someone else's "world".  I will be traveling to communities of faith whose problems aren't too many kids registering for VBS, or projectors that aren't bright enough to display hi-resolution worship enhancement images.  We'll be worshipping and learning from children of God who have walked miles for clean water, and who perhaps aren't sure where/when the next meal will come.  Children who may not have parents, or whose parents may not be able to care for them.  

What will God have to say to me (us) then... John, your Bible verses are hard for people to read in your poorly lit worship space?  John, you need 75 volunteers, not 70 for soccer... so make a few extra phone calls??  

My greatest fear, the reason for my concern is that I might not be ready or prepared to answer the call of God if He should ask questions like these:  

"When I was naked, when you saw me HERE in this new world today, how did respond?  Did you make an attempt clothe me?  Do you see me here thirsty??  Will you give me something to drink?

Do you remember my instruction to LOVE GOD with everything you are, and then love your neighbor as you love yourself??"   

How can I respond?  What can I do?  My intent isn't to sound shallow, but rather to admit that I haven't stepped outside of my context to serve God... in far too long.

A good friend reminded me last night about the importance of awareness, and even of SELF awareness.  My prayer for this team is that we are both AWARE and SELF AWARE.  My hope is that we might return, having embraced an opportunity to be changed.  I want and am altogether TERRIFIED of an opportunity to have my eyes opened to the love of God in a new "world", with the hope that my understanding and response to the call of God might be changed. 

Each and every Sunday, I have the PRIVILEGE of either helping to lead worship and/or preach in MY OWN COMFORTABLE CONTEXT.  We experience God in our own lives, encountering Him within our understanding of the world... I have a funny feeling that my own comfortable context won't feel so comfortable when I return... and, if I'm honest... that does scare me...  

I pray God teaches me to love... I pray I gain perspective... I pray for awareness...  

I'll be praying for you.  Please pray for each other.

Pastor John Wagner