A few Christmases ago, knowing my fascination with space exploration, one of my daughters gave me a book by famous astronaut, Chris Hadfield. Chris was seriously accomplished in a range of fields, and when he finally made it onto NASA’s short list, he was mentored by John Young – one of only twelve men to have been to the lunar surface. Chris talks about how any pride he may have had was immediately gone when standing next to such an Apollo legend.
It reminded me of the silly game men sometimes play at a party. No one remembers how it starts, but at some point, someone comments on a personal accomplishment and the other men feel the need to top whatever the previous guy said – while women in the vicinity roll their eyes so far back they can see their hair growing. Except if you play that game with John Young, it’s kind of hard to top “I drove a car on the moon”. Game. Set. Match.
Fortunately, Audra and I have not committed that social faux pas while living at the WEC Accra Mission House. While God has indeed blessed us with letting us visit a few countries during our marriage, our crosscultural experiences and accomplishments pale in comparison to the amazing yet humble people who have passed through this compound. We have heard stories of men and women who have planted churches, started schools sometimes while living in villages without electricity, performed tooth extractions, lived in countries where Christianity is illegal, become fluent in several languages (often at least one a unique tribal tongue), and written books filled with Hollywood level adventures yet NEVER bragging. Missionaries are the John Youngs of the Church!
What have we been doing? We re-organized the WEC compound library and completed painting the main guest house to bless a family moving here in February. Along the way we have created an around the world prayer with unreached people groups slide show, led morning devotions, taught songs, taught English, helped with tech and assisted a new couple we became friends with to embark on the type of adventures that we are confident will turn them into WEC John Youngs. Our accomplishments during these two months are not in the same league as the heroes I have described, however, we are heartened by the knowledge that the tasks we have been assigned will benefit others long after we board the jet.
Reflections from a short-termer with Acts 13* in Ghana
*Acts 13 is a WEC ministry mobilizing Africans for missions