What If?

Well, I'm not always the most politically correct person around, a fact that does not come as a surprise to those of you that know me.  As we approach the end of our 10 month field service in Sierra Leone I'm beginning to think about doing a post on some end of field service statistics (of course said blog post thoughts are due entirely to my lovely bride who helps keep me on the straight and narrow and blogging about things in something like a timely manner).  That blog will be coming soon.  At any rate, a thought occured to me.  What if?

What if I didn't post about the number of surgeries that the Africa Mercy has performed in the past 10 months?  What if I didn't post about how the work that Dara and I do is integral to successfully bringing hope and healing to the poor?  What if not one single person in Sierra Leone came to a personal relationship with Christ in the past 10 months as a result of the work that Mercy Ships does and the witness that we provide?  What if I told you that this field service has been rife with demoralizing challenges and frustrating circumstances?  What if I I let on that this beautiful community isn't always forgiving, merciful, graceful, and caring?  What if I told you that there are people here that I don't like?  What if I told you that there are days that I struggle to find contentment in what God has called me to and I'm unsure not of the calling but in my ability/willingness to continue to surrender to His will?  What if......?

Here's the deal - reality is that at times I feel as though we have to 'sell' ourselves through these blog posts; that people reading it will be more inclined to pray for us, financially support us, and believe that we are really being effective for the kingdom if we can 'prove' it through patient stories (especially those that involve a commitment to follow Jesus), statistics, stories of personal sacrifice and surrender, etc.  Now, to be fair, the fact that I sometimes feel that we need to 'sell' ourselves is not a reflection of who you are as a reader but rather of my sometimes cynical views of the body of Christ, especially in the western world.  It is a gross generalization.

Also, I recognize that there is incredible value in reporting statistics, stories of lives changed, etc.  There certainly isn't a lack of desire on our part to communicate those things.  We want to share that joy with you.  We want to be accountable to our worldwide 'family'.  But what if we didn't?  Can or should someone's effectiveness for the kingdom be communicated and validated through numbers and statistics?  Does bringing someone directly into a saving relationship with Christ make someone more valuable?  Do we need to prove ourselves to you or is simply living a life of obedience to Christ and sharing our joys, victories, struggles, failures, doubts, contentment or lack thereof, thankfulness, heartache, worship, etc. enough?  Because the reality is that we do have times and seasons of struggle.  There are things about this ship and community that chafe us.  We work 'behind the scenes' and witness primarily through trying to walk in obedience, loving others, and being an example by ministering within the body here onboard.  In the years that we have spent here I have seen no more effective witness than living a life that glorifies God and displays true sacrificial love to all, beginning with those closest to you. 

What if that were enough?  What if we lived our faith rather than just talking about it?  What if...