I met her on a sunny morning in southern Spain as we sat beside each other at a conference. We quickly discovered a love for walking with Jesus and bringing His light to the nations. Later that afternoon she found me and was quite emotional as she told me that the police were at her language school in the north African country where she serves and were asking lots of questions and she was very fearful that maybe she might be getting kicked out after 13 years of serving there. All of the sudden, everything she knew to be certain was in question.
Author: Jen F
Jen works with Barnabas Int'l as a pastoral care provider for missional workers overseas, as well as serving as the co-Director of Staff Care.
Categories
Following the Signs
In October, we walked the pilgrimage of the Way of St James (aka el Camino de Santiago) in northern Spain. As we walked we learned we could only go as fast as our feet would take us and we only knew the way by following the marked signs. So, day after day, we trusted the path and the signs and delighted in the unhurried pace and being present to the beauty all around us. One day we were walking up a mountain part of the path and we were deep in conversation so we missed a sign. A little further up the wayward path we heard a whistle…
Categories
Come To Me
I got to wondering today, are any of you struggling to access joy this week like I am? Honestly, I feel guilty if I’m happy about something because there’s just so much hard everywhere right now. The urge to look at the news is constant and draining at the same time. I can’t imagine the horrors on the other side of the world while I sit in my warm house safe and secure. And, I hear a whisper:
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Expressing Loss
- I’ve lost a trip I had planned to visit global workers in SE Asia.
- I’ve lost routine in my day.
- I’ve lost having control over anything.
- I’ve lost getting to see my family and friends.
- I’ve lost assurance of availability of good health care.
- I’ve lost being able to go on a walk outside and feel the sun on my face.
- I’ve lost being able to plan for the future.
- I’ve lost alone time since my kids are always home now.
- I’ve lost financial security.
- I’ve lost independent decision making ability.
- And many more…
Part of our role with Barnabas as Directors of Staff Care and Development has been to facilitate a weekly gathering of our staff online for a prayer and praise hour during our time of quarantine around the world. On a recent call we asked our staff to share losses they had experienced because of this virus. Maybe you too can identify with some of those listed.
We’re all experiencing unprecedented loss; some of you may even know someone who has died from the Covid-19 virus. So what do we do with this loss? What is that low level hum of anxiety or discomfort we are experiencing to varying degrees every day? How do we talk to God about any of this? Where even is He?