Inspiration from a Friend

I received an epic email this week from a college buddy (and Wingman in my wedding) updating people back home and requesting prayers while he is working overseas in Liberia. I wanted to take the time to give a plug for him and what he is doing. He works for Samaritan's Purse, an amazing organization committed to meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. What they are committed to doing with WATER in Liberia and the rest of Africa is incredible! Check it out here.


In his email, Alex spoke of experiences he is having with different people: talking to people while riding the bus, partnering with Peace Corps workers, leading Easter sunrise services, and conversations with security guards. At the end of his email he stated apologetically that he would send updates on the work with water he is doing. "Trust me, I am working hard out here!" he said.

I was struck by the thought that we have it all wrong. So many times, when we are first getting to know someone, we ask the question, "What do you do?" On the surface it's a question about someone's profession and how they spend their time during the work day. However, on some level (particularly with men, I feel) what we are really doing is sizing someone up, how do they compare to us? Do they enjoy what they do? How much money are they making? We want to make our jobs or our work define who we are.

What if we have it all wrong? What if the things Alex wrote about in his email really are the things we should be working hard at?

Sure, we want to use our gifts or talents or training or knowledge to make a living or to make a difference. This is especially true when we are being paid (as an employee or being paid a wage) or supported (evangelical or missional work); we are accountable to other people. But what is really true and good and lasting is the impact we make in people.

In my own life, I am really encouraged by what my friend is doing: looking for any and all opportunities to share Jesus with those around us, whether it is someone sitting next to you on the airplane, someone you ride the bus with, someone you work with, someone you go to school, or someone you with whom you recreate in the mountains. I am so excited about Nepal and experiencing the excitement of sharing Jesus with people who may or may not have ever heard about Jesus before (such a contrast to our American culture where people are either jaded about Christianity or hurt by past experiences). However, my team and I need to remind ourselves that Bozeman, MT is as big of a mission field as Nepal and that our efforts here do not stop just because of a trip planned in May.

Please Pray: Pray that our team won't let opportunities to serve and share the love of Jesus pass by because we are too focused on Nepal.  Pray that we would use the excitement and enthusiasm for an event like backpacking in Nepal carry over into the atmosphere of our daily lives right here where we live, work, and play.