Missionary Care and Backpacking (Part 2)

A group of us were recently on our 31st annual backpacking trip, this time in the drought-stricken Sequoia National Park in California.  The ranger station informed us there may not be enough water at our hoped for campsite, but they were unsure.  We met a hiker just 20 minutes from where we planned to camp, and he told us there was too little water there, and we would have to go to a lake 4.5 miles further to camp.  However, when we got there and followed the stream, there was enough water for us.

Likewise, as a Church Care Team, we need to make sure we get accurate information about our missionaries’ situation before taking precipitous action.  We need to make sure we get the perspective of the team leaders, the agency, and perhaps a visit to the field before taking such drastic action as agreeing to let the missionary come home.

Our hiker informant gave accurate information about a half-mile part of the trail to the lake that was at a 15-degree slope with no switchbacks.  As we went down this part of the trail, all of us dreaded the hike back up later that day.  As leader, I decided I would set a slower pace so all of us could be together as we went up this steep slope.  That way, no one would be left behind and become further discouraged.  We made it up by taking breaks and encouraging each other much faster than I imagined.

Our missionaries need us as a Church Care Team to work together with them and the agency when they hit tough climbs in their service.  This could be an illness, getting thrown out of the country, or debilitating team conflict.  We need to walk with them together, helping set a pace they can follow, with rest periods and plenty of encouragement.  This may be the difference between weathering the crisis or coming home prematurely.

Another observation during the trip was that one person can’t carry the entire load; one needs to carry the tent, another food, another the water filtration pump, etc.  Also, some are better climbing up, but others are better going down.

We need to utilize the strengths and acknowledge the weaknesses on our care teams and make sure the load is evenly distributed.   Sometimes the team leader may think he or she is the only one who can get things done to the appropriate standard, then becomes overburdened by the load, not realizing others on the team may have strengths in areas that person lacks.

- Dr. William Britt, PhD

Missionary Care and Backpacking - (Part 1)

Backpacking is one of the best ways to completely unplug from our modern, fast-paced, digital and “always connected” world. A few days in the wilderness forces the adventurer to un-plug and to re-engage the base elements of who we truly are from God’s perspective so that He can speak to our inner core.

A few weeks ago, Bill Britt and I made our way to the backcountry of California’s western Sierra Mountains. Beginning at around 7,800 feet and ascending Mitchell Peak at 10,365, we had some time on the trail to allow the Lord to help us understand what missionaries are experiencing on the field. Even though we hear their stories and try to help from afar, we rarely get the chance to slow down enough to gain a broader perspective. The next two blog posts are just some thoughts from this strenuous and even gnarly trail.

Keeping the end goal in mind is the greatest motivator. We heard that Mitchell Peak has one of the best panoramic views in this mountain range, so no matter how steep the trail, we were committed to reaching the peak. The goal was worth the investment of time, energy and even blisters. However, there were times when all I could do was put one foot in front of the other. My eyes were fixed to my feet, staring at the rocks and the roots, while all around me was a gorgeous landscape of trees, shrubs and glimpses of vast canyons. Likewise, our missionaries need to be continuously reminded of their end goal. They may revert to the tunnel vision of their day-to-day struggle and never raise their heads long enough to take in the beautiful landscape of God’s Kingdom being built all around them. Missed opportunities, rejection and heartache may distract them from enjoying the Lord’s provision all along their journey.

There is much to be learned from the old adage “where there is smoke, there is fire”. Our hike was planned months in advance, way before wild fires effected many of California’s national parks. We could smell the smoke and from the peak, we could see billows of smoke and ash in the distance. Though fire can destroy the trees, there is amazing resiliency of the forest to restore itself. We packed through areas where fire had blazed through in previous years. The tall trees were standing dead, but amazingly, small trees were beginning to grow that would eventually take their place. In the midst of trials, missionaries need to remember Ecclesiastes 3: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” There are seasons of growth, seasons of decline, seasons of hardship and seasons of renewal. The church can help them determine what season they are in, and help them to look forward to what will come.