People Matter Most
I have gotten into the habit of writing this phrase on the top of the page of my to-do list before I ever start writing down the things that I need to do. This is by far the clearest, most important thing that God has taught me while serving on board Logos Hope.
When we said yes to His leading and stepped into this first chapter of full-time missions we knew that a large part of the work God had for us to do was to care for people. We knew that the ship is a unique environment, with many demands and challenges where God is constantly stretching and growing and refining people. Over the past 22 months, this work has shifted from being important to being essential. Caring for people (and showing others how to care too) is the core of what Dané and I have been called to do as Missionaries serving with OM to see vibrant communities of Jesus followers amongst the least reached and as Christ-followers working towards the churches purpose of making disciples of all nations.
As I have mentored, coached, lead, enjoyed fellowship with and invested in people, I have been challenged over and over against by this concept in John’s gospel.
“By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”. – John 13:35 (CSB)
Not by how many books you have sold, or how many programmes you have MC’ed. Not by trainings, or worship nights, or events, or ministry days, however good and worthwhile those things are. People will know that we love and serve God, if we are seen to be genuine, intentionally loving and serving one another.
So in the midst of the busyness. In the midst of the demands of life and the stress of circumstances. In midst our doing and planning and striving. Remember that people matter most.
Prayer: That God will continue to reveal to us the ways he wants us to care for and help others care for people, so that He might be glorified and others might live in the full potential that God has for their lives.
Praise: For the uncountable opportunities we have had to care for and encourage those we have been serving alongside and how God has used us and will continue to use us in the work of seeing every nation know who He is.
Change Happens
It is inevitable. Particularly in a community and ministry like the Logos Hope. People come and go. The ship moves on to new ports and countries and regions. The view outside the window is very rarely the same (well, unless you island hop between 5 countries in the Caribbean because of a global pandemic) and God is constantly teaching His people and growing them into a more vibrant community of Jesus followers.
But change doesn’t happen by accident, particularly not good, healthy, lasting change. For us to grow stronger through change we need to rely on God to be using the change happening around us to shape the change happening in our lives. Two specific scripture passages come to mind as we consider how God has helped us through all the changes that these past 2 years have brought on our path.
Firstly, Joshua 1:9 “ Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This encouragement has come up over and over again during our time on board, many times from the mouths of Cori or Lily. Changes happens. It is inevitable. But God and His strength and His goodness are constant.
The second scripture is also my life verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Moving forward in our relationship with God and on the journey He has for us means going to new places and experiencing new things, learning new lessons and growing in ways that might be difficult or challenging. Change is inevitable, and we can’t always understanding it. But if we trust in Him then He will walk the way with us.
Prayer: For strength and courage in the midst of all the changes that are happening in the ship community and ministry at the moment – lots of new people, a new region, more ministry happening.
Praise: For all the change that God has worked in us during our time on board and for how He has used and is going to use that change and growth in us to help others love Him and love others better.
God’s Work Keeps Going
Leaving is difficult. And saying goodbye is painful. Not just because of the people you will miss and having to let go of familiar places and ways of doing things. Saying goodbye and moving onto new faces and places means trusting that those who come after you will pick up where you left off and continue on well with the work that you were doing.
As we sit now in the transition space found in between the last thing and the next thing, I have felt God reminding me that He doesn’t need me to accomplish His mission. As much as I know that we were exactly where we needed to be for this last season, I am also aware that the ship’s ministry and community on board has whether many other storms and has been and will be stewarded by many other people that God invites into His plans. It is reassuring and humbling to be reminded that God involves us in His mission for the world and gives us responsibilities in this journey not because He has to but because His wants to.
As we continue to move forward in our journey with Him, to new places and into new work, community and relationship we know that the work of Logos Hope will continue because He continues. The statement “…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” from the passage in Phillipians 2 comes to mind.
So we can say ‘see you later Logos Hope’ knowing that He will continue to work in those who have responded to His call and through them accomplish His good purposes. We can close this chapter and as we do that look forward to the next chapter that He has invited us to begin writing as we partner with Him in caring for, encouraging and coaching Missionaries on the field as we serve, lead and live alongside them.
Prayer: That those who have taken over our responsibilities on board would have the strength and patience and perseverance to continue on and love and serve those they are responsible for well.
Praise: God for his love and goodness and grace and mercy towards us. That He chooses to include us in the work of redeeming all of creation back to Himself.
The Benns 