“He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 (New International Version)

An interesting consequence of the ministry this year is that I have very little scheduled activity as part of the camp.  In previous years, Andrew Carson and I would be spending hours of our camp time writing (and sometimes rewriting) our evening talks.  I have no afternoon workshops to oversee, leaving my only scheduled time as English classes in the morning.

My open schedule has provided a great vantage point for observing ministry.  The younger people in our group are doing a great job at directly interfacing with students and providing energy and craziness to the camp.  Every one of them is gifted in amazing ways and is dong a great job at the work of the mission. Betsy, Chris, Andrew and the rest of us “older” missionaries provide stability and wisdom from years of walking with Jesus.  We have a place in the ministry, but we will never have the same draw.  As a young person, would you rather hang out and be crazy with your Dad, or with your peers?

This year, more than any other so far, has been one of encouraging and equipping.  The my focus is on building up and encouraging others.  I try to encourage the team.  I try to encourage Czech team members.  I try to encourage campers.  I look for every opportunity possible. My free schedule allows me to do this.  The ongoing effectiveness of the ministry demands it.

John the Baptist realized his role in God’s plan was not to bring about salvation in the world, but rather prepare people for the arrival of the savior.  When Jesus appeared on the scene, he realized that his ministry must decrease for God’s plan to be realized.  The visibility of his ministry needed to decrease as Jesus’ increased.  In a similar way, if society-changing revival is to happen within central and eastern Europe, it likely will be a movement of God’s spirit among the youth.  Perhaps the older generation’s ministry visibility needs to “decrease” so set the groundwork for the movement of the Spirit of God to “increase” among the youth.

So with equipping the next generation in mind, I am joyful about my free schedule and thankful for each encouraging conversation I have.  I am hopeful that as each person is encouraged, the name of Jesus will be made greater.

Prayer Requests:

• Health for the mission team – there may be a mild stomach bug going around
• Doug’s kidney stone has probably passed.  Thank you for the prayers.
• 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.