Some of you know I have a hard time giving a straight answer—there are so many ways questions could be taken, so many presuppositions, [and my mind is off to the races!]
So when I got a list of six questions that "everyone wants to know," I thought maybe I should try to give a straight answer.
Our story
Growing up between cultures was a big feature of my early life. Moving from California to Texas was only the beginning (back in the day when that just didn't happen.) I watched my parents move far away from where they started because they cared to make a difference in people's lives and relationships. We ended up in eastern Venezuela. And I saw how overwhelming that journey was for them, for me and my three younger sisters, and for others like us. My heart was moved with compassion to care for people willing to dare such a thing, typically without knowing what it would cost—after all, how could we know?
Who we care for
So we embarked on a journey coming alongside people in international ministry, just as they are, wherever they are, cradle to grave, Cairo to Caripe, Texas to Taichung, not exclusively but inclusively. It's been a rewarding journey. We do this through Paraclete.net, from a Greek word that can be translated "one who comes alongside," and now we're based in Colorado Springs.
Changing amid the changes
Looking back, I have many regrets. Those include judgments I have made that stopped me from loving people unconditionally, risks I have taken that have hurt myself and others, and challenging situations where I didn't make an effective difference. These regrets have sometimes humbled me, sometimes taught me, and sometimes been downright wasted.
Along the way I think my contributions have changed. I have more stories to tell, but fewer answers. I have a longing to move further toward honor and respect rather than settling for tolerance. I am less concerned with systemic change and more concerned with pursuing small differences. I have less life and energy left, but more memories and history. [And I'm more aware that my perspective might not be yours or even that of my closest allies and associates, much less God's.]
Words for those up and coming
1. It's okay to be you. The question we all face is how to make meaning out of who we are, not how to be somebody else.
2. If you want to do something, take the time to prepare. If there is a wildland fire, we need wildland firefighters, not random hikers. If there is prostate cancer, we need urologists and oncologists, not youtube. I have keenly felt the gaps between the training and experience I have and the preparation and background I need, but I have also prepared a lot (but not always!) Humility is great. Thinking I can be great without preparing is naïve.
3. Coming alongside has often meant letting someone else be in charge. It also means watching things happen I may not like and cannot change. I am still getting used to this 😉.
What we need now
Godliness with contentment is great gain. We always need more of that. We also benefit from…
· Companions in the journey,
· Mutual participation in each other's lives, and
· Acceptance and love, especially when we don't deserve it.
Six questions
You might be wondering what the six questions were, especially if you noticed I only gave five answers. Here they are:
1. Please give a brief introduction of yourself and your ministry. Who, what kind of work, where, etc. Keep in mind that many people at BridgePoint are new and may know nothing about you.
2. How did God lead you into ministry? What is your "story"? How specifically did He lead or set your direction?
3. Who are the particular group(s) to whom you minister?
4. How have you changed in the process of ministering to these people? How has your ministry changed as you have served?
5. What counsel would you offer to someone who is considering how they might serve?
6. What is the greatest need in your ministry? How can BridgePoint better support you?
[Quoted from Dale Ashworth, Bridgepoint]
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