Personal Note (from Peter):
One thing I’ve been praying for is to keep the spiritual aspect of this project. It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the practical elements: take a definite practical need (building housing), combine that with a bunch of guys and it takes an effort to remember this is a missions trip.
We are going as a church. There a number of other corporations, service and community groups, as well as individuals that are contributing to this effort as well. So what difference does it make? Will the nails that we hammer in be any different than those of a corporate team’s? Probably not. So why are we going? Can’t we just send money and let someone else do the work?
Well, I can’t deny that it’s nice to send your own personal representatives to work on a project, it allows our church and any of our supporters take ownership and pride over our efforts. However, that’s not our ultimate goal.
We want to be a blessing. A spiritual blessing. We, as a team as well as individuals, feel “called” to serve in Mississippi at this time. Not only do we want to help in practical ways by constructing homes, but by praying for the communities affected, visiting the neighborhoods affected by the devastation and praying for God’s blessing on the areas. We also hope to encourage other volunteers in their efforts to rebuild the region. Practical and spiritual are not mutually exclusive. So no matter what we have planned, we’re open to whatever God has in store for us, and we hope to have enough spiritual sensitivity to be aware, and enough courage to act on it.
The Bad News
Case and point: I, Peter, injured my wrist Friday, a week before we are to depart. As far as we can tell, it’s just a bad sprain and not broken. So the question is, should I still go on the trip?
I’ve been praying for that simple answer to a complex question, and it turns out to be one of trying to understand God’s perspective and priorities. Since day one, we’ve known that just because we’re going to Mississippi to work for Habitat, that doesn’t mean that we’ll all be able to work directly hands on a house. It’s highly likely we would, but we’re trying to manage expectations.
This never became more evident until I had to consider how much could I contribute to the project. Habitat is quite versatile and can accommodate people of varying abilities and limitations. I have no doubt that even in my slightly injured state, Habitat would be able to place me a useful role.
But is this the right time for me to go? Could we just save the money and let me go later when I’m more able bodied?
The simple answer is that I’m not quite sure yet.
If at all possible, I’m open to swapping out with someone else that could go in my place, but I believe the plane ticket is only in my name. Therefore, I’m still planning on going, and possibly working in an adjusted capacity. But only if my presence doesn’t hinder the team. I’ve planned on being able to carry my own load, and I don’t want to be an unplanned burden on my team if I have difficulties. This is because this is a temporary and unplanned impediment.
I know the support and friendship I have from the rest of the team would allow me to go in my less-able capacity, but since it’s temporary, I’m trying to weigh if I should just postpone my trip.
But the bottom line is: Does God want me to go?
Because if He does, then I should, and then I’ll find out why I’m supposed to be there. Will I witness a miraculous healing of my wrist? Will I find out that my contribution to the project had little to do with my physical abilities? Is there something that I’m supposed to learn in going, outside of any contribution to Habitat? Not sure, but only one way to find out, by making myself available.
So we’ll see, and for the time being, I’ll keep this option open until Friday. We’ll see how things pan out and see if this injury was to indicate that I’m supposed to stay in L.A., postponing the trip, or that it’s part of the story of this team.
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