Our team got together recently for a service project/wheelchair challenge. We'll be taking five (very rustic, all terrain style wheelchairs) to Zimbabwe to donate. The challenge was that they needed to be put together prior to leaving. Our leader, Rick, made this into a team-building challenge by dividing us up and making it a contest. Everyone was given a slip of paper with an individual task. Each team worked together (with only a few tools to share among groups) to be the first to complete their wheelchair. This turned out to be the equivalent of an Amazing Race Roadblock! The directions were minimal and the task a true challenge.
After the wheelchairs were (mostly) complete, we learned that the task slips included things like:
1. "Build the wheelchair. Win a prize if you finish first."
2. "Pray without ceasing."
3. "Complain and be negative."
We debriefed after, discussing the challenging tasks that we'll face in Zimbabwe. We'll be tired, we'll possibly experience culture shock, we may be grumpy, and we might possibly be obsessed with "task" completion. Our work in Africa will stretch us in new ways.
Our conclusion was that we'll need to stay positive, flexible and prayerful. We'll have to release our personal agendas, and let God move. To not stand in the way of His plans for us.
Our conclusion was that we'll need to stay positive, flexible and prayerful. We'll have to release our personal agendas, and let God move. To not stand in the way of His plans for us.
We know already that one of the wheelchairs will be given to an 8 or 9 year old girl who has been carried on her mother's back her whole life. Before even travelling, God gave us an opportunity to serve and be stretched.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
5 comments:
We are naturally anxious about your trip but also very proud of you. We will certainly be praying for everyone and for what you will accomplish while you are the. Stay safe and bring home stories to share with us. We love you!
Thanks for sharing all that God is doing and teaching you. It's an inspiration!
wow, what a powerful story about the mom and her 8 or 9 year old. what a blessing this will be to them!
Just a reminder that as you go, Rebecca, I will pray. As you stay, Mark and Sophia, I will pray.
May the Lord use all 3 of you in ways that only He can plan and provide. I am praying for guidance by the Spirit, a sense of the Lord's presence in your lives, an obedience to His will, and a joy of service to the least of His.
I will pray for safety for all of you and a joyful return.
NC Granny (extended Camp Hoffman)
LOVE it! We've got your postcard on our fridge and we are ready to see some posts from Zimbabwe! Sweet travels and happy serving, my friend!
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