This post contains the second part of a letter I am writing as follow-up to my recent trip to Leipzig.
While the programmatic success of the mission is something everyone can be pleased with, I think those of us who were involved in the interview process (those who invited friends, asked the interview questions, took notes, translated, and served drinks at the cafe) are even more excited about the impact the week had on people’s lives and relationships. Following an interview we would often hear comments like, “I’m very glad I did this.�? “I’m going to think more about some of things you asked me about.�? “Can I have a copy of the questions? I’ve never talked with my friend/partner about these things, and I want to know what he/she believes.�? “I’ve never told anyone about that before. It helped me to talk about it.�? “You are the first person who’s ever cared to listen about my life.�? Several of the interviewees insisted on additional meetings to learn more about us and what we believe. Just yesterday I learned that they are continuing to seek fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Leipzig and inquire about spiritual matters. Praise God!
The interviewees weren’t the only ones who were changed by this experience. It was exciting for us, the visiting team, to see the excitement and hope building in our German brothers and sisters as we worked together to go deeper with their friends and co-workers than they had thought was possible. “I never imagined I could talk about those things with my friends. Now I know I can,�? said Melanie, one of our sisters in Christ at FeG [the Leipzig church we partnered with for this project]. Another said, “Now I see why you had to come. You came to cry for those who couldn’t cry for themselves.�? (Literally! Even I, the rational scientist, found myself in tears several times.) We were grieved more than we anticipated, and I think we all grew in our compassion for those who don’t know Christ. But the sorrows we felt and the darkness we saw only made God’s truth appear brighter to us and His grace more beautiful. And we were all greatly encouraged in the faith.
Twice now I have been asked how the mission impacted me personally. The first time, I had some difficulty answering that question because I honestly didn’t do much self-reflection while in Leipzig. For one, I was busy; but I also had a strong conviction that the trip was not about me, but rather about serving others. I was satisfied to know that we had done the job God had called us to do, whether or not God “touched�? me or “met�? me. That being said, I do believe that I have returned from this mission with increased faith, an increased burden for the lost, and a few new thoughts about ministry. I will share those thoughts in the last installment(s) of this series.
The ‘rational scientist’ is your occupation and station in life. But your calling is from heaven, and that is an eternal position. I am happy to hear you say that your focus was on completing the task that God had called you to, and not on reflecting upon what He worked in you. For what difference does it make if you are or are not aware of what He did? It is still done! The important thing is to be listening for what work He has for you NOW. The Spirit be with you brother.