November 28, 2005

Advent 2005

Don’t they look proud in their graduation gowns? Standing together for one last photo, admired by relatives, friends, and officials? Soon they will disperse into far-flung fields to face challenges they’ve never known in churches they never chose.

These are my heroes, these young pastors and their families. Here in a region where Christianity is booming, they are the servants who will live at the cutting edge.

They aren’t in it for the money. Some may expect to receive five dollars per month. Some will occupy manses with no electricity, plumbing, or clean drinking water. They will walk through crowded alleys and open bush to visit the sick. Most will have no vehicle—not even a used bike. Their wives, who also get theological training, will tend gardens, raise children, and lead the women’s groups. Driven by necessity, they become mothers of invention. They will share their meager resources with the poor (and sometimes the rich) and receive no reimbursement.

I remember how it felt to leave Princeton Seminary for the call to a little village church. But what Sue and I experienced—and what we are going through today—pales by comparison to the prospect facing these heroes.

Aren’t you glad that our Lord Jesus Christ left heaven to come dwell with us here in great humility? Aren’t you glad that he still calls young and old alike to lay down their nets and come follow him?

You can follow him. You can serve your mission field. You can pray for us here. You can write. You can visit. You can equip future heroes. Next year, for 4,500 dollars, you can teach, house, and feed a student family. If that seems out of range, maybe link up with others. Two or three churches could share a sponsorship.

Jesus said, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out workers.” That’s exactly what we see! Now, I don’t have to tell you how much leadership matters. No church, no team can rise higher than its leaders. Here in Africa, leaders like these will often serve two, three, or a dozen congregations.

In short, whatever it takes! And that is the spirit that grew the New Testament church. This same Spirit will keep us all growing, as together we celebrate the coming of Hope.

Blessed Advent from your partners in the land of summertime Christmas,

Rev. Ted Wright (and Sue)

The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, page 341