Pre-Travel Posts: June 2013 - June 2014

June 30, 2014 - Word Association

 

Traveling to Africa for the purpose of Christian mission is not a brand new experience for us. (A brief trip to Ghana in 1996 and a semester in Cameroon in 2002 are my precedents. For Heidi, practically her entire upbringing revolves around it!) Still, it is a huge transition that brings with it a multitude of thoughts and emotions, anxieties and joys. So with departure just three weeks away, here's our knee-jerk, off-the-cuff, unedited, word-association responses to the phrase "Going to Cameroon."

 

Heidi:

1. adventure

2. change

3. returning

4. leaving

5. prayers

6. learning

7. hope

8. fear

9. home

10. letting go

 

 

David:

1. support letters

2. language

3. community

4. hot

5. teaching

6. prayers

7. family

8. Bible

9. dependent

10. hospitality

​

After we completed and compared these lists, Heidi noted that her list is heavily focused on transition and the emotions associated with that process, while mine centers mostly around the nature and happenings of the upcoming experience itself. (Any of you who are acquainted with missionary kid/TCK experiences will wink knowingly and supportively at Heidi right now.) But after all the psychoanalysis is said and done, I simply hope the lists reveal a complementary union of perspectives as we undertake this venture together! 

 

We'd be deeply grateful if you'd earnestly petition Christ for the current requests on our prayer page.

 

Our flight departs July 20 @ 5:15 pm from JFK airport in New York. We hope this site (check it out every week or so as you're able) will be a helpful connection and a confirmation of the fruit of your investment. The gracious Lord willing, we'll see many of you in about a year!

 

May 31, 2014 - Responding to change

 

A well-known saying in global mission circles is this: "The three most important gifts a missionary must possess are: 1) flexibility, 2) flexibility, and 3) flexibility." A parallel saying that I have heard (and is posted on our refrigerator) is this: "The three most important qualities a pastor must have are: 1) humility, 2) humility, and 3) humility."

 

It should be quickly noted that pastors and overseas missionaries are not particularly unusual; flexibility and humility are a deeply important characteristics for Christians in any vocation. Admittedly though, effective Christian ministry within a cross-cultural context is particularly dependent on one's capacity to be both humble and flexible. I think this is because these qualities are prerequisites for successfully dealing with change--and missionaries are endlessly confronted with change. We must respond to change by listening rather than assuming, learning rather than judging, adapting rather than imposing.  

 

Here are some changes we're already aware of:

• The obvious ones: Vocational duties, language barriers, smaller accommodations, leaner finances, new neighbors, different cultural norms, long-distance relationships, etc..

• Since we were in Cameroon in 2002: The school (RFIS) is now in a new location; various friends we made will no longer be there; this time we'll have a third child with us, and all three are school age.

• Heidi's ministry: Not so much changed from our initial expectations as simply not yet settled; serving at Anna's school will be a significant component; two nursing roles are possibilities but won't be determined until after we arrive. She's expecting the unexpected.

• My teaching assignment: Instead of mostly math, I recently learned I will be teaching mostly physics (my minor in college; I've taught it twice before.) And because a particular teacher will be staying a year longer than anticipated, I probably will not be teaching any Bible classes as I originally thought. However...

• An unexpected request: I will apparently be doing some (some, not too much!) preaching and music at the International Christian Church of Yaounde. They have been facing a significant pastoral need they have been unable to fill. My teaching load at RFIS is slightly less than I had been planning on, so the opportunity to preach sounds refreshing rather than taxing. 

 

I know our departure from the USA will result in a measure of change for many of you here on this side of the pond. (For some, that's probably a good thing, eh?!) I pray that all of us may display humility and flexibility as the Lord furthers His kingdom.

--David

 

April 30, 2014 - Failure or Fruit?

 

Some of you are aware that there are only two more Sunday services at our church (RCC). Not just two more with me in the pastorate, but two more, period. After 111 years of ministry, Resurrection Community Church is closing. The bittersweet story is far too long and important to convey in a couple paragraphs here. However, since this is first-time news for many of you on our list of Cameroon supporters, it is important for me to give a brief telling of RCC's journey. (For those who are (too?) well acquainted with this, forgive me for recounting it yet again.)

 

From 2002-2011 RCC grew from 25 to 65, kids were filling the previously-empty nursery, elder & deacon positions were filled with capable leaders. Yet in the three years since, God's providence has moved about half our congregation away, many of them literally/geographically. We can't identify a particular unfaithfulness; on the contrary there seem to be so many quiet evidences of changed lives and the Lord's gracious blessings. Leadership has prayed earnestly and worked diligently and creatively to nurture the flock while pursuing an outward-centered faithfulness in ministry. Even so, in the past year the Lord has seen fit to clearly undo various plans related to worship location, an interim pastor and other priorities. With an amazing unity of the Spirit, in March the church voted to discern closure as the Lord's will for RCC. (On our church website, a document entitled Twelve Extra Gifts of Grace conveys a bit more of the journey.) 

 

Curiously, our family's planning for Cameroon began in 2011 at the height of RCC's recent development. In our human thinking, Heidi and I felt the church had finally grown to a point of numerical, fiscal and leadership stability such that its trajectory was established and its future secure. This, along with my exhaustion from the solo pastorate, was instrumental in our sense that the Lord was moving us on. We still don't doubt for a moment that the Lord indeed has called us to Cameroon, but we do grieve the closure of a church body so dear to us and a church unique in its ability to minister to the weak and weary. RCC has been a beautiful "hospital!"

 

As you could expect, RCC's closure causes me to question my decisions, gifts, discernment, discipling, etc.. Though I'm not wallowing in utter despair, I am certainly very humbled. I wrestle with whether RCC's closure represents failure. Undoubtedly this experience will profoundly shape the way I view future ministry--mine and others'. I especially pray that it will sharpen my vision so I can more readily spot spiritual fruit even when it is growing amidst severe providences.

--David

 

March 31, 2014 - Countdown

 

Ok, so it's not 10-9-8 of anything (i.e., 10 months would have been back in September, 10 days won't be until July 10). However, the feeling of "countdown" is getting more noticeable. Perhaps it's because I've started packing things up--gobs of books from my church office and even at home are already in boxes. I know, seems early, but I'm bound and determined that the final month won't be filled with panic and insanity. Anyway, this blog entry is very much un-profound. All I'm doing is listing a portion (about a third) of the dates and tasks that are on our master list of Cameroon preparation. So if you're curious, peruse the items below. (And, uh, If you're interested in helping paint or do other projects, well, I'd be more than a little thrilled for you to stop by...) Of course if your own list of spring tasks is five times as long, just know that we're at least feeling a bit of your pain:

 

March: Slow/steady packing up of house begins

March 12 & 13: Mission presentations at Open Door Christian Academy

March 26: Vaccinations for all five of usApril: Redouble efforts to land a renter for house

April 14-20: Easter week (lots of church stuff!)

April-May-June-July: endless house projects/repairs/prep for rental

May 11: Final RCC worship serviceJune: Advance renewal of driver & nursing licenses, vehicle registration, etc.

June 1: Preach at Whosoever Gospel Mission service

June 7: Application & passports sent to visa service

Late June: trip to Houghton, NY to see Heidi's family

June/July: Sell aging minivan

July: Dog Sierra to 2014-2015 home

July 18: Begin malaria prophylaxis

July 19: Complete final cleaning of house for renters

July 20: Flight departs (JFK to Brussels, Brussels to Yaounde)

--David

 

February 28, 2014 - Burnout

 

My profession is notorious--notorious!--for burnout. The average tenure is 5 years. 5 years? That means that an awful lot of pastors leave their church after just 2 or 3 years. Of course this burnout is far-reaching as well; pastors sometimes shepherd their flocks at the expense of shepherding their own families. These realities are sobering and saddening. 

 

At the same time, however, there is a very fine line between forced or foolish burnout and intentional and willing sacrifice. The greatest Shepherd was chronically exhausted! The gospels repeatedly reveal Him as desperate for rest, trying--often unsuccessfully--to gain restorative time alone. Over and over we encounter Jesus weary and even legitimately exasperated at what meeting the needs of others requires of Him. But that lifestyle of self-depletion is the pinnacle demonstration of wisdom and love rather than a lack of them. I'm not saying that God wants us all to run ragged, but I am saying that wearing oneself out for others does not necessarily make one a fool or a workaholic. (Gulp. I'm sorry for sounding a bit defensive!)

 

My personal theory is this: burnout is related most often to the breadth of ministry; sacrifice is inseparable from the depth of ministry. Burnout comes when a pastor tries to sustain too many roles or minister to too many people; but sacrifice is the willingly-paid cost of time, compassion and energy required to love people deeply.

 

Jesus' ministry reveals this too. He is crystal clear about boundaries for the breadth of His ministry ("I was sent to the lost sheep of Israel." He even ended up focusing much of His attention on just 12 of those lost sheep.) But He displayed an almost unlimited willingness to go deep, to love with abandon, to expend Himself for the person right in front of Him.

 

I feel as though I have the greatest job in the world, pastoring Resurrection Community Church. Having said that, I readily admit that after 12 years I am exhausted. For the ways I have attempted to juggle too many roles, I pray the Lord will forgive my foolishness and use the transition to Cameroon to steer me away from burnout. But insofar as any attempt to pastor faithfully is by definition exhausting, I simply pray that tiredness can be an acceptable offering to the Lord.

 

"Healthy boundaries" are, well, healthy; but they aren't the be-all and end-all of shepherding like Jesus Christ. In the upcoming year I'm definitely going to miss many of the pastorate's exhausting joys...

--David

 

 

January 31, 2014 - Heidi's Reflections on Running, Nursing, Laundering, Driving...

 

 

As our family looks toward heading to Cameroon in July, I find myself thinking about how my life will be different. While there are numerous everyday details that will change, I think the biggest adjustment will be that I am not "the one in charge".  Like many Americans, I think it's easy to feel like I'm more in control of my life than I actually am. But I am responsible for a lot of the coordinating of schedules, activities, rides, driving, laundry, meals and chores (making sure they get shared & done!) in our family, participating in leading worship and care for folks at church, and working part time at a local hospital. At my job on a cardiac unit, there is always something that needs to be done, and I have to be super alert and vigilant in my care for some really wonderful, really sick people. And there are so many dear friends and family members with whom I try to stay connected. Life here and now is full of stuff that I am responsible for and I have to watch the calendar and clock and just keep things rolling...

 

 

When we get to Cameroon, I will be much more dependent on other people. A lot of this relates to transportation and being new to the area. We won't have a car, so we'll ride with other missionaries or take the taxis that run all over town. Because African society is less time-and-schedule-driven, and because... well, I'm not sure all the reasons why, but I know from our previous experience in Cameroon that I did a lot more waiting and watching and going with the flow in Africa, and a lot more planning, scheduling, staying busy and feeling in charge here in America. Part of this is because I was not in a position of leadership while in Cameroon before. Although I anticipate being involved and connected with the community there, I think it's a good thing for David and me to take a break from leadership roles.

 

 

I seek to stay consciously dependent on the Lord and walk humbly with him all the time, but I have found that I am more aware of my need and the fragility and gift of life as we prepare to be away in Africa for a year. This makes it clearer that God is God and I am not. I am so thankful that life and grace and food and seasons and financial provision and love do not depend on me "keeping it together." Thank God for His lavish goodness to us, and for your generosity and prayerful support. You are ministers of His love to us as we look toward sharing that love across the ocean.

--Heidi

 

 

December 30, 2013 - New Year, New Traditions

 

 

A cousin recently posted on Facebook a photo from her family's vacation. They serve as missionaries in Africa, and as it happens their Christmas celebration took place about 1200 miles due west of Yaounde, Cameroon, on the coast of Liberia. In the picture they were swimming. In the ocean. On Christmas.

 

 

My own family is currently on Christmas break in Houghton, NY, USA. Perhaps we'll post a picture of us sledding. In the snow. A familiar Christmas scene?Christmas and wintry things go hand in hand--at least in my  mind. I'm used to snow (not sun), hot chocolate (not pineapple juice), evergreen trees (not tropical palms), twinkling lights (not ocean sunsets.)Next year (2014), our family's Christmas will likely be completely different from any we've experienced before...or will it? To be sure, the temperature will be at least five decades higher (perhaps three in Celsius). Our ornaments will be boxed in an attic 5700 miles away. Myriad other unfamiliarities will mark the season too. Our celebrations will no doubt look and feel unusual to us, but Christmas itself will be identical. Christ is born! This first chapter of the gospel can be written in many languages (literally or metaphorically), but the Fact is what's important: Jesus Christ is born this day!Thank you for your role in bringing the truth of the Christmas Child to people who will celebrate it in (beautiful!) ways you and I may never have experienced before. Happy New  Year!

--David

 

 

November 29, 2013 - Lists

 

 

There are many different kinds of lists that I am encountering this season. For instance:"Things I am Thankful For" ...on which I would prominently place our:"List of Cameroon Supporters" ...some of whom have kids that (like mine) have made:"Christmas Wish Lists" ...on which, if I made one, would be the completion of my:"To Do List"

 

 

The original Christmas story contains two lesser-known but important lists too. One is in Matthew 1, the other in Luke 3--they are geneologies of Jesus. Matthew records Christ's lineage through His earthly father Joseph; Luke traces it through His mother Mary.

 

 

As with Linus' famed rendition in the Peanuts Christmas special, so with probably every Christmas pageant, and almost every December worship service or sermon, no one seems to bother reading Matthew's or Luke's list. Yet somehow the gospel writers deemed them crucial to include in their accounts of Jesus' birth.

 

I think that one of the reasons they are presented is to reveal not simply the "major players" (Abraham, David, etc.) but also the seemingly "unimportant" characters. I mean, seriously, who ever heard of Joanon, Abiud, Neri or Melea? Yet their inclusion is significantly comforting to me, perhaps even exciting: The Lord uses the simple, the frail, the unknown, the atypical, the unexpected to accomplish His purposes--even His great and mighty purposes.

 

 

I am not a Bible translator. Next year, my role in the missionary endeavor of bringing the scriptures into languages that have never had God's word will be, truthfully, very minor and very indirect. Mostly I will simply be teaching children of the "major players." Of course Wycliffe translators in no way think of themselves with such self-importance! But their labors are indeed the frontline ministry, the ultimate purpose for which my background role exists. (Honestly, after 11-plus years of a solo pastorate, I'm very much looking forward to playing second fiddle.)

 

 

Some of you reading this are gifted and prominent "Abraham" figures in the Kingdom. Hallelujah! You are greatly gifted and greatly blessed. Others of you--like me--are in the supporting cast. We too are greatly gifted and greatly blessed. Praise the Lord--every seeker of Jesus Christ is on His list!

 

 

 

October 29, 2013 - Is it "the Lord's will?"

 

 

As a pastor, I have encountered many Christians seeking to know the Lord’s will regarding various life decisions: Which college should I attend? Does God want me to accept this job offer? Shall I put Dad in a nursing home?  Is the funny feeling I’m having really the Spirit’s leading or just indigestion? Over two years ago Heidi and I began wrestling with a similar “What’s-the-Lord’s-will” question in our own lives: Should we pursue missionary service in Cameroon?

 

 

For me, the question’s difficulty was especially compounded by implications for our church: What would my departure mean for RCC—a needed nudge? or a discouraging blow? If I remain at RCC, can I sustain the physical and emotional demands of small church solo pastoring? For Heidi, the question put the past and the present at odds: A missionary kid always in love with Africa…who in recent years has also begun to feel quite rooted and at home here. Someone who for 30 years was accustomed to often living far from family…but has come to increasingly delight in the joys of day-to-day, face-to-face proximity with dear ones. 

 

 

Contrary to the counsel I typically give to others (see below), for a long time I sought some kind of direct, perhaps miraculous, at least obvious and undeniable pronouncement from God. Please God, wallop me over the head with it: Cameroon or not?  Alas, the Lord did not provide such clarity. So eventually I got around to practicing what I preach: 1) solicit the counsel of godly brothers and sisters; 2) prayerfully use the mind God has given you to make what seems to be a reasonable and thoughtful decision; 3) carry out that plan until the Lord shows you otherwise.

 

 

Just as a student can honor (or dishonor!) the Lord at any college (so choose the one that fits your major, your finances, your interest!), so one can serve the Lord in Philadelphia or Cameroon. For Heidi and me, the result of the three steps mentioned above were this: 1) multiple saints acquainted with our life and ministry nudged us toward Cameroon; 2) the reality of personal exhaustion, along with the urgent need for Bible translation, made the change seem wise; 3) The response of people to our announcement and request for support has affirmed rather than squashed the plan.

 

 

I honestly don’t know if our decision for Cameroon is any more “the Lord’s will” than prayerfully remaining where we are. By grace we could serve Him in either location and any vocation. What I do know is that your outpouring of financial and prayer support is a profound confirmation to me that Jesus is at work in this Cameroon endeavor. I am thus very grateful to be at peace with our plans as indeed the Lord’s will.

 

--David

 

September 27, 2013 - Hidden Treasure

 

 

While looking for bugs to include in her school science project, Anna encountered in our backyard something very special. To the left is a picture Heidi took of it. Do you see what it is? It's not the flashy magenta and gold flowers. Those are stunning! But what Anna discovered is much rarer. Found it yet? It's right in the very center of the photo--a praying mantis.

 

Another beautiful but often-unseen creature is the praying partner. Many of you reading this right now are indeed praying partners. Alas, you are too infrequently glimpsed (face-to-face) by the missionaries for whom you intercede. And of course the prayers themselves are always invisible. But! But! The flowering and fruit of prayer is very much observable, tremendously tangible for those with eyes to perceive it. So the picture above parallels a great truth: prayer is at the center of the Lord's beautiful providences.

 

A frequent sentiment expressed by missionaries in their support letters is that they need prayer support even more than financial contributions. Honestly, at one level, this has always struck me as a bit idealistic, a line Christians are "supposed" to say to avoid sounding mercenary or worldly. The reality is that they (we!) desperately need cold hard cash if there is to be any global missionary activity for others to pray about!

 

But let me quickly move beyond that semi-cynicism and affirm loud and clear that, at the deepest, most fundamental level, our greatest need is indeed prayer. Admittedly, at this stage Heidi and I need a lot of prayer that the funding would come in! Yet the mere ability to purchase plane tickets or put food on the table while living abroad guarantees nothing in regards to the entire purpose of the venture. Please pray that scriptures would be translated, that the gospel would be furthered, that lives would be transformed. Heidi and I are not raising money for a "trip to Cameroon." We are asking that you send us out to play a small part in bearing to the weak and weary the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Please pray!

 

--David

 

August 29, 2013 - Tangible sacrifice

 

 

Yesterday I took our dog to the vet. Gabe went with me as Sierra got a little exam, shots, flea-check, etc.. She doesn't seem to mind the vet too much (except for the motorized elevating table, perhaps.) This trip reminded me of something very important.

 

While living in Cameroon 11 years ago, I discovered so much to love about being there. Amazing flora, fauna, foods; fellowship in a missionary and school community that is rich and encouraging. In talking with and preparing our kids for our journey there next year, Heidi and I have emphasized a lot of these beauties and benefits. However, these blessings are only part of the story, a story that we dare not forget involves many less-than-delightful aspects too.

 

There are tangible, significant sacrifices that are involved in bearing the gospel in word and deed--for every believer, wherever God has planted us: from rural western New York to suburban Philadelphia to mountainous Colorado...to Cameroon, Africa. The trip to the vet reminded me of one specific cost of ministry in Cameroon: we can't take Sierra with us. (Transportation and vaccinations and customs requirements are in the neighborhood of $2,500 and up.) While this may not be of earth-shattering importance, it is--especially for our kids--one of the more difficult sacrifices to make. 

 

A raft of minor sacrifices will abound: five people in a small apartment with one bathroom and often-working plumbing, bleaching vegetables and filtering water, sleeping in heat & humidity & sweat, malaria risk & medication, no car, little discretionary money, language barriers and baseline cultural stressors, etc..

 

But by far the greatest loss involves separation from family and dear ones. No, our willingness to do missionary work abroad does not make us magnificently holy and impressive super-Christians. Far from it. Frankly, it can sometimes be easier to serve God in a setting like Cameroon, which is typically more receptive to the gospel, than in the desert-hard soil of suburban northeast-corridor USA. Yet the switch to slower or virtual communication with dear ones, without physical presence and food and worship and playing together--these are an acute loss that is inseparable from global mission. And it is not a sacrifice for the missionaries alone; it is a loss felt powerfully by family and friends who remain behind too. In a sense it is even harder for them because they have little or no choice in the matter; some can even feel abandoned.

 

We would greatly appreciate your prayers for us as we prepare for and eventually experience the many costs of missionary service abroad. But we also ask that you pray for our families and dear ones here at home as well, that they might deeply know and feel the comfort and peace and joy of Christ during our time away. Thank you!

--David 

 

July 26, 2013 - Watching the mailbox

 

 

A watched pot never boils...but apparently a watched mailbox (almost) never fails to contain a response to our support letter. For most of the days in July, our church mailbox has yielded at least one self-addressed envelope bearing the blue words "Cameroon Mission Support." And inside those envelopes are gracious financial and prayer gifts which will help speed the work of Bible translation in central west Africa. On the support status page of this site you can find the current amounts and ongoing needs. Thank you to each one who has contributed to this endeavor!

 

I will confess that the total amount of money required for even a single year of service in Cameroon seems staggering to me. Even among thoughtful Christians, some might question whether it is worth raising and spending such a significant sum on a venture like this. The two answers I can offer with conviction are these:  

 

1) To bring God's word to Bible-less peoples is to bear the Gospel to the lost both now and for generations to come--this is worth any amount of labor and any amount of resources.

 

2) Our particular avenue of service (serving the children of missionary families) is a type of missionary investment that is multiplied many times over--it enables a host of Bible translators, church planters and other missionaries to remain in ministry in Cameroon and nearby countries.

 

Thank you for your eternal investment in the work of Christ's glorious Gospel!

--David

 

June 17, 2013 - A prayerful plan



As a pastor, each week I am forced to reckon my utter inadequacy to the task of faithfully preaching Holy Scripture. Even on the best of days, it is an overwhelming and profoundly humbling calling. But what if the scriptures didn't even exist in my own language? How then could I preach? How could anyone of my language search and study the word of God? The task of Bible translation is thus a centerpiece of Christian mission.



All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,​

rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the​

servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.​

(2 Timothy 3:16)

​

Lord willing, in July 2014, our family will travel to Yaounde, Cameroon in order to play a supporting role in Bible translation for at least one year. Cameroon has over 270 languages(!), but only a small fraction contain even a portion of the Bible. Currently there are 26 translation projects underway, and of course many more are needed.



My particular task will be to teach mathematics and Bible at Rain Forest International School. The central purpose of RFIS is to enable the missionary families of its students to live and serve in Cameroon. Their roles include Bible translation, but also literacy, evangelism, church planting, medical care and development.



Heidi's portion of our service together will likely utilize her training as a registered nurse. If past experience is a good indicator though, much of her ministry will center around one-on-one relationships, taking particular advantage of her cross-cultural background and gifting. Our kids Luke, Gabe and Anna will find themselves in the thick of this missionary adventure too.​

​

We would be very grateful if you'd check out the support letter and ​support status​ links to the left. Thank you!



--David & Heidi, Luke, Gabe & Anna