By Shane Bennett
Are you hanging in there? Barely surviving, or actually thriving? If you’re like me, it may depend on the day. And these are days like we’ve not seen before. I sincerely hope you’re doing okay.
If you live in a land that’s celebrating summer, you may be scrambling to get things done before a vacation. I appreciate you taking some valuable minutes to read this month’s abbreviated Practical Mobilization column.
To remind us we are all in this together, here are seven things I’m a little worried about right now. I know, I know: Worry inversely correlates to faith. It’s like a rocking chair.* And it’s bad for my tummy. I’m not celebrating my worries, just being honest here, and sometimes these things stress me out. I’m also going to tell you ten things I’m really thankful for. (That list is longer, so you won’t think I’m too unspiritual!)
Seven Things I Worry About
1. Local Churches
I worry that churches, and the people who attend them, will increasingly only focus on getting by. They’ll feel the need to bunker up and conservatively plan for the worst. The offerings at my church have recently taken a bigger hit than can be attributed to the normal summer slump. What if people are doing their best to give but will need to stop soon in order to just pay for food and housing? Will churches have to make hard decisions to cut staff and curtail ministry?
2. Support Levels
What does the income hit many are experiencing mean for workers on support? For me? Will donations begin to dry up? Have they for you?
3. Missed Opportunities
I worry that I, that we, will miss some of the unique opportunities that come with these weird days. What bold and intrepid actions am I leaving undone because I’m simply trying to figure out how to make the home situation work and wondering what else might go wrong?
4. Mobilization
I fear we’ll lose global outreach momentum. That workers in waiting will get delayed, then distracted, and finally disinterested. That others will return to their passport culture and never go back.
5. Vulnerable Places
What’s going to happen with India? Both in terms of health and then economic health in the aftermath of the COVID?
6. Kids and Schools
In addition to my five adult children, I’m dad to three young ones now. To be honest, I’m a little worried they won’t go back to school in August! I love them and am learning all kinds of patience through these months. It’s just that they miss their friends and teachers. Yeah, that’s what it is. They really miss school.
7. Lessons Unlearned
I’m a little worried that people will ask, “What did God teach you during the lockdown?” and I’ll say, “Hmm, good question. I learned there are a lot of mean people on Facebook and the snarkiness of Shane doesn’t accomplish the righteousness of God.”
Ten Things I’m Thankful For
1. This Chance to Connect
I’m thankful part of my job is to write for people like you. It’s really not fair that once a month I get to wrack my brain, put down a few goofy but heartfelt words and dear saints like yourself take valuable time to read it.
2. Free, Virtual Events
I’m thankful for the thoughtful people who’ve taken their conferences virtual and made them free! Here are two where I’ll be presenting and one more I am registered to attend:
- New Wilmington Missions Conference, July 17-19
- RESOLVE Virtual Missions Training, July 20-21
- NAAMC 2020, Missions Reimagined, July 9-11
3. Cool Input
I have access to all kinds of cool and helpful books and tools. I still wonder with a little fear what William Carey may have accomplished with the iPad I use primarily to watch Jack Ryan, Season Two. (Regarding that by the way… the language and violence may not be your taste, but get this: Muslims aren’t the bad guys! That merits some support in my book. Apologies to Venezuelans!)
4. Fast Internet
One of the specific tools for which I’m thankful is fast internet. And not just so I can watch Jack Ryan. So many things are easier than they might be. So much information is closer than it used to be. And I can chat with new Muslim friends in far-off places.
5. Cross-Cultural Servants Ready to Deploy
I’m thankful for the intrepid people whose hearts had already moved to an unreached people, but whose bodies have been held up by COVID. I spoke to a fully funded friend this morning who’s riding out the virus while dreaming of her new home-to-be in South Asia.
6. Brave Friend-Raisers
I’m also thankful for those wild women and men who are raising support during these wacky days. More power to you! May God be honored (even if He’s also amused) by your audacity and bring in those Pesos pronto!
7. Health and Healthcare
I’m thankful I’m not sick. And if I contract COVID, I can reasonably hope for access to quality treatment. And if that treatment should prove insufficient to address the issues, there will be morphine to ease my transition to life beyond.
8. A God Who’s With Us
I’m grateful God is not surprised by the events facing each of our countries right now. The things our churches and families are dealing with and even the climate of our own souls are not unknown to the God who loves us.
9. A God Who’s Got This
I don’t think we have any reason to believe God is taking a COVID holiday. His purposes are progressing as he gives grace to new believers, courage to old ones, and kingdom growth in both expected and surprising places. I’m thankful he invites you and me to dream and scheme with him for the new things that will emerge from the cauldron of these days.
10. You, Saints
Finally, I’m thankful for you, happy that we can share this tiny snippet of life. As I write I’m praying God’s blessing on you, your family, and your work. If you’d like to share specifically how I can pray for you, I’d be honored to do so.
* Like a rocking chair: “Keeps you busy, but don’t get you nowhere!”