** This week I continue my missions Top 10 of how to set yourself up for success while on the field. Obviously this is not comprehensive, but should serve as a good guideline to help every missionary thrive both personally and with their ministry.
Number 3 – Community
Last week I wrote about having a place of refuge. This week I swing the pendulum and want to discuss the importance of Christian community. If you would be so gracious, I would like to start with giving you a quote – “Let him who cannot be alone beware of community… Let him who is not in community beware of being alone… Each by itself has profound perils and pitfalls. One who wants fellowship without solitude plunges into the void of words and feelings, and the one who seeks solitude without fellowship perishes in the abyss of vanity, self-infatuation and despair.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
We are not meant to go at things alone. We simply can not thrive for a sustained amount of time in isolation. We were designed by the Almighty to be in communion and community. What we find is that when these two areas are healthy, we are healthy. When they are lacking, we are lacking.
For the missionary this fact is even more magnified. Away from all the norms of life can be brutal on anyone. The most simple things can be the most challenging when on foreign soil. This should only add fuel to the fire to take proactive steps to establishing yourself in community.
When I lived in China, I made a few things in regards to community a priority. I think these priorities can apply to almost any missionary in any setting.
1. I made going to a English speaking church a priority. — I can not say enough about how great of a decision this was! It was at this church that I could worship in my own language, receive sound teaching, gain a network of friends and found opportunities for more ministry.
2. I attended an underground church (small group). — At the english speaking church Chinese people could not legally attend. As a result, we had small groups in homes so that we could worship with our Chinese brothers and let it serve as a “safe” place to bring in Chinese who were not yet saved.
3. I went to school to learn language. — This not only helped me learn mandarin, but also served as another place to gain friends and opportunities socialize.
4. I went to the local college to play “pick-up” basketball games every week — I’m aware that many of you reading this might need to substitute something else in for basketball, but the main point is to take initiative and get out in public in different venues and settings with the emphasis on getting to know people and making friends.
5. I pursued relationship with mentors in missions and the faith. — This is huge. As I got to know other missions families, I humbly approached the men of the families and asked if I could get together with them periodically to enjoy community and so I could glean from their knowledge and experience. This point alone majorly shaped my experience in China. Out of these mentor relationships came all kinds of ministry opportunities.
I understand that there are no two missions situations that are alike. What worked for me might not work for you. However, in most cases I know that most missionaries, if taking initiative could look at my list and see that they too could adhere to all my proposed priorities. It might look different and thats okay, the important part is this… Make community a priority. Take initiative and don’t let insecurities hold you back. Solid community will not only enrich your missionary life, it will also come to your aide and preserve you when seasons of doubt and dryness come upon you. So take community seriously. If you do, you will reap a wonderful harvest of fulfillment that could never be accomplished by yourself.
Marvin Slaton – Modern Day Director
