Think Seriously

Before leaving New Zealand I thought I would miss it a little but the truth is I haven't in the slightest. That statement is probably a little premature and sure there are things that I don't have access to as I would in N.Z but the pros have really surpassed any cons.

Before leaving for South America as I was waiting for some shots at the Travel Doctor I happened to read in interview of an experienced travel blogger, who obviously spends a great deal abroad. He made an interesting statement about extended travel, it went something along the lines of …… he had spoken to a lot of people who had come up with many reasons not to travel, but of those whom he had met who had travelled, they never regretted it. I am inclined to agree. I'm not suggesting that everyone should travel or that if you don't you are lacking in someway, for many of us we do not have the circumstances, resources or even the desire to live in some place different and that isn't wrong. The truth is that timing may also be a factor and travel at a certain time for a certain individual or family would be unwise. I may also add I'm not promoting extended world travel for mere recreation, but rather travel with a noble objective of contributing somehow, to be involved not as a tourist passing through snapping photos but as one who interacts at a grass roots community level.

In essence what the writer was saying is whether we travel or not is a decision we make, and it is easy to come up with reasons or excuses not to. In fact if your leaning is toward leaving perhaps a good job and the stability of your current lifestyle, perhaps even selling some assets you may find in talking with others that such an option is contrary to what is considered normal and that the response from others may not be very enthusiastic or encouraging. Many might say (or think) that it is unwise, short sighted or even reckless. The thing is public opinion is simply that public opinion and that is why you really need to decide for yourself. If it something that you have thought about in passing, give it some serious thought, talk with others who have left such things behind or made big changes in their life to achieve a such a goal and really challenge the reasons that you might give for not being able to serve in another place, because those reasons may not be such big hurdles. Looking back I can really see that it is easy to think “I cant”. Some more constructive thinks to ponder about might be:

• “How can I?
• What would I have to do?
• What would be the cost?
• Do I feel that no one is capable of caring for the work I am currently allocated?
• Would I regret not doing so?

These questions will lead to other questions, talk about these concerns with others, weigh there responses carefully, do some research it is then you can decide in earnest what you want to do and how to go about it. If you decide that you want to go and live someplace different and you are doing it for the right motives DO IT! It will be a little scary and you will need some courage. For example things like leaving your employment or selling your house or vehicle will be stressful, they are big decisions but than again doing nothing or doing what you have always done is a big decision even though it may not seem so stressful.

For my self it would have been easy to keep doing what I had been doing but I would have missed out on a lot. I wouldn't have had the opportunity to give a public talk in small village with a group of eight publishers(who have over 30 attending the meetings they hold) who have only an M.S on hand to take the lead. I would not have had the opportunity to visit other isolated territories with special pioneers and pioneers alike to cultivate interest. I would have missed the opportunity of enjoying the hospitality of a family who have very little but give so much. I would have missed the farther of the household who has a very humble standard of living a man that has lived without the secular education that many would deem absolutely vital, a brother without the grounding in the truth that many in western places would have and perhaps take for granted, preach informally to a taxi driver in the same way with the same message as any other witness  would. I would have also missed out on being encouraged by his young son who serves as an unbabtized  publisher and shows a great appreciation for spiritual things. I would not have been able to learn from the methods and manner of how others are putting into practice what they have learned in showing genuine concern for others. I would not have had the opportunity to be encouraged by the faithful example of one sister who serves alone in an isolated territory without a congregation or a group to support her, and to share some words of encouragement. I would not have had the opportunity to see the smile and joy of a severely disabled Quechan lady who lives in a mud brick house with no windows as she had read to her some encouraging words from the bible in her own language. I would not have had the opportunity to see how simple many people live. I would not have had the opportunity to make new friends with like minded people. I would have missed out on seeing the zeal and courage of other kiwis who have arranged there affairs despite valid concerns to help where there is a great need even if only for a limited time.

There are so many enjoying privileges and opportunities now who would not have been able to had they thought that they couldn't or had they not thought seriously what doors where open to them. These people also had to make decisions that are not easy or perhaps secularly unpopular to make, decisions that would have been stressful, however are they glad for doing so and do they have any regrets? Talk to some who are serving or have served as pioneers, travelling overseers or Bethelites and see what they say.

In short if you have a desire to help others where there is a greater need, whether that be in another country or even in the country or city you live, it may simply be in the congregation you currently serve in, whatever the case please give it some serious thought, that is my plea be courageous enough to review your current lifestyle with what you really want to accomplish.

“Courage is doing what you're
afraid to do. There can be no
courage unless you're scared.”
Eddie Rickenbacker

The fears of our reality are usually far worse than the reality of our fears.