“We’re going to need a bigger boat.”
One of my favorite movies, that I would consider a bit of a classic, is Jaws. Compared to today’s standards, it probably wouldn’t be that awe-inspiring, but for its time it was pretty amazing.
If you’re like me, when you hear or think of the well-known theme song from the movie it almost makes the hair on your neck rise. Go ahead, call it to mind. I’ll give you a moment… … … … … … …
It’s that feeling that something is coming, just around the corner, and it’s that anticipation that gets you. Right?
That’s where I am right now with summer missions. It’s not an eerie anticipation, per se, but it’s that feeling that something B I G is coming. And I’m sitting on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting its arrival.
That something started last week, or at least the precursor to that something. Our summer staff arrived mid-week for a pretty intense, comprehensive training. While we covered lots of things, my hope and goal is that it was also a time of excitement and fun as we look ahead to the coming weeks of having church groups here at Hinton who will go out in the community to work on home repairs.
We have over 750 folks coming in about 10 weeks. That’s a lot of people. Some weeks we have 20-50 folks, but there are others where we have 125-150. *gulp*
Friends, we’re going to need a bigger boat.
We’re going to need to immerse ourselves in lots of prayer, self-care practices, and trusting in God.
First and foremost, prayer: lifting up the neighbors we’re helping, the communities in which we serve, the folks who are coming here to do missions, and those of us who are equipping others to go out and do the work – to be the hands, feet, and smile of Jesus. Prayer that the weather cooperates and that everyone stays safe and healthy. Prayer that we are doing more than “just” home repairs – that we are also building community – being in relationship with our neighbors, getting to know folks who might be a little different than us. Prayer that we make an impact – not only through improving homes, but by showing the love of Christ. Prayer that those who come to Hinton leave here changed – transformed – as well.
There’s a lot of planning and preparation that goes into a summer of missions. It’s also a lot of long days and hard work. Self-care becomes such an important piece, because you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of someone else. We know this… but how often do we really live like we know it? How often do we continue to pour out for others without pausing to take care of ourselves?
While there’s lots of anticipation and excitement building for this wonderful thing we call summer missions, and we’ve been preparing for some time, at one point we have to just face the fact: We need to just jump in, trusting that God’s got this.
Are you ready to jump with me?
