“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” Hebrews 13:17
It was a huge blessing to meet the remainder of our team at the airport today. I am thankful for their safe arrival and I am praying that they are able to recover from jet-lag quickly. Tomorrow we will have an intensive day of training for the trip by Josiah Venture in preparation for the camp.
Today marks the beginning of the “Real Life” mission with Josiah Venture. It is different than the “Ordinary Life” portion of our trip in many ways. While the mission of the trip is still to make disciples, the primary way that we will do this is different – youth camps. It is also different in that the entire FBC mission team is now here, and we are working under the guidance of the Josiah Venture Missions organization. Both of these things mean a change for me in my focus.
In the first several weeks of this trip, I was caring for my immediate family, and working to encourage, strengthen, and coordinate our ministry together. However, with the arrival of the Family Bible Church team, my focus needed to broaden. My concerns for emotional, spiritual and physical well-being needed to expand to encompass all of our new arrivals. The team does a good job at this among themselves. Andrew, with his daughters, and Faith and Andrew Mickey between each other. But if anything is lacking, it’s my job to jump in. I take this role seriously since I will need to give an account if anything goes astray.
For the next week and a half, I have the blessing of being under authority, first from Josiah Venture, then from the camp team from the church that we work with here in the Czech Republic. In America, we often emphasize the importance of being a leader, but very few times have I heard anyone talk about the blessings of being a follower. In some ways I can relax, knowing that someone is looking after me, just as I am looking after others. Just like me, they must give an account if anything goes astray. My job: cooperate with their leadership so as to make their work a joy.
As I shift into this new phase of the trip where I am both in authority and under authority, I am encouraged by the example of Jesus. Jesus was leading a small band of disciples in his earthy ministry, but in all things submitted to the will of the Father (John 5:19). So while it is true that Jesus is our ultimate leader and great high priest, he also was the ultimate, obedient, submitted follower.
Jesus, we desire to live out your character in our lives. Help us to respect those that you have placed in authority over us, so that we may lead well by following well too.
Prayer Requests:
- Health for the mission team and quick recovery from jet lag
- That Doug has no more painful flare ups and that he is able to successfully pass his kidney stone
- Remaining details for Czech English camp as we work together with the Czech team.
- That Christ would be glorified in and through the partnership between Family Bible Church and Církve bratrské v Českém Těšíně (the Czech church) this summer.