Our Journey

After working for 21 days in a row, I was exhausted. I had to take a day off. Kara and I went to our favorite spot for caffeinated beverages that morning. We talked about the current state of our lives and agreed that there was surely more to life than a stable job, a house in the suburbs, and winning the coveted “Lawn of the Month” award. We talked about our dreams for the future and a desire to live the abundant life God promises. Could we live a year abroad with the kids? How might we use our gifts to benefit the world beyond Belmont, Nashville, and even the United States? We agreed to explore our options further. When I arrived home later that same morning, I received an email from Herb Mather titled “An Invitation”. He asked if I might consider a trip to Malawi in 2009 to meet with church groups about business development. “In addition to the help you may be able to provide the people of Malawi, I can promise that such an experience would be a spiritually challenging and renewing time for you.” In Sunday school two days later, we read from the lectionary that week: Romans 12:1-8, “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Romans 12…seriously!?!? God, are you kidding me? We soon decided to commit one year of service to the people of the Malawi United Methodist Church. We will travel in February to meet with the pastors and lay leaders of Malawi and then we hope to leave this summer on the adventure God has for us.

Since those days five months ago, we have pursued this calling with passion (and at times trepidation). We have prayed. We have cried. We have turned to God and each other, weary. Most of all, we have experienced the loving support and advice of so many friends and family — especially our Belmont family. When I talk to people about our plans I sense a genuine excitement and connection. This connection, I believe, has something to do with the power of risk-taking mission and service that Bishop Schnase describes in his book, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. Folks want to be part of the outreach efforts of the church because in doing so we each seek and participate in a greater purpose than ourselves. I have seen first-hand how risk-taking mission and service is a powerful expression of faith. It can bring us and those we serve closer to God. It can transform lives. Without these outward-focused ministries, the church risks becoming complacent, numb, and comfortable — these are not words that describe Belmont!

I must confess to you all I do not see myself as a risk-taker. I’m just a guy who is crazy enough to sell the house, leave my job, move the family 9000 miles from Nashville, and seek the intersection of my gifts, the world’s needs, and God’s call. What’s the big deal with that? As Kara points out, it is more likely that the risk-takers in this equation are God and you. So we go forward on a path that no longer conforms to the pattern of this world, hoping that we will be transformed and renewed. I am humbled by your support and prayers.