Holy Conversation

Much of ministry and missions is conversation. Many groups like to tout what they did on a mission trip, how many of this was given away or the number of baptisms or how many showed up at a meeting. None of that is particularly bad but most of that really doesn't say much about the kind of impact the ministry or the mission had. Most people come to know Christ and are changed into his likeness largely in because of conversation with God-filled people. Not through debate or argument or being led through a step-by-step evangelism method. But through holy conversation.

These kinds of conversations are difficult to report about or write up in a newsletter. They are too intimate, too personal to share with the blog world or even supporters. I respect those I minister with too much. The conversations do go on, though. Sometimes they are scheduled and a specific topic commands attention. Other times, they happen while washing dishes after a meal or walking to the metro. Sometimes they happen at 2:00AM when someone shows up at your door in tears or the phone rings at midnight and though you are reluctant to answer, you did and you quickly find yourself on holy ground.

I too have often sought these kinds of conversations. Maybe too rarely. I guess I have been reluctant at times to share my weaknesses, failures, fears, or worries for fear of how others much younger in their faith might be affected. Not so much that there is a desire to appear perfect, but many of the issues I face as a missionary are so unlike what others experience that it leads one to believe that others simply won't understand. And to tell the truth, most likely they often won't be able to understand. Might even be a bit overwhelmed. But I guess I need to truth the holiness of conversation more than my own wisdom.