The team gathered in the hotel courtyard, ready for another day of serving God on the mission field. A woman zipped her sunscreen into her bag as her husband adjusted his ball cap. One of the teenagers was stretched across the bench trying to squeeze in a few more Z’s. Some of the kids had begun playing tag while they waited for the last stragglers to join them.
It had been a busy few days. They’d arrived in this third-world country with a purpose: build some Sunday school classrooms and host a Vacation Bible School for a young church. It had been long, hot work, but they were happy with their progress. Yesterday had been a short day. The team wrapped up early so they could show the “Jesus Film.” So many people from the town had come out, including some members of one of the local gangs. The mission team stood in the back watching the audience and marveling as almost a dozen came forward to accept Christ as their Savior—even a guy from the gang! Oh, what a blessing this trip was! The missionaries would need to push today to get the rooms done in time for the VBS that weekend, but it had been worth it.
Once the last team member joined the group, they began the walk to the work site. Even thought they’d been many times, the work and witness coordinator led the way. As they walked, the team stretched into a staggered bunch of families. The couples were up front with the coordinator while the young parents lagged behind with their children. As the leader walked, he suddenly noticed a form ahead on the side of the dirt road. Not sure what it was, he instinctively directed the team to the other side. As they drew closer, the coordinator could see the gang tattoo on the young man’s back through the blood and bruises, no doubt the victim of some turf war. He began to walk more quickly. The last thing he needed was to get this team caught up in gang fights. Besides, they had to get to the work site and get started on the day.
The families bringing up the rear noticed their leader picking up the pace. It didn’t take them long to figure out why. When they got close enough, they could hear soft moaning sounds. Mothers began talking loudly to cover the noise as they strategically stepped between their children and the wounded man. They did not want to scar their children with this horrible sight. Instead, they followed suit with the leader and quickened their pace.
No one had noticed that someone else had been following the team. It was one of the guys from the Jesus Film the night before, one that had come forward at the end. He had decided to head to the church this morning and see if he could learn more about this Jesus guy. His brain was filled with the message from the movie the night before. In fact, he was so preoccupied that he almost didn’t notice the giant lump along the road. The new believer had heard about the fight that took place while he’d been at the movie. It was a safe bet that he was approaching the loser. His eyes widened as he took in the condition of the body. This guys was in bad shape—it was amazing he’d lived through the night!
The young man took off his jacket and gently wrapped it around the limp body. He took care to cover the wounds, hardly noticing the tattoo that was so different from his own. He slowly lifted the injured rival and carried him as quickly as he could to the clinic in town. He waited nervously while the doctors treated his new patient. After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor emerged with hopeful news. He’d lost a lot of blood, but since they got to him in time, it was likely he’d live—all thanks to the quick thinking of this young man walking down the road. A warm glow spread through him. He stopped at the nurses station and gave them his address, asking that they send all bills there. Then he walked out of the clinic and headed toward the church, smiling.
This story may sound familiar. Jesus tells one kind of like it in Luke 10:24-37. The message in both is clear: we won’t be truly missional if we’re not about people. God calls us to a holy life, to be set apart for good works. But that doesn’t mean set apart from others. Quite the opposite, in fact. We see that the more time we spend with God, the more we feel led to build connections with the people around us, to show affection and love to those who are suffering, and ignore that differences that can keep us at bay.
It can be really easy to stand along the edge of the mission as an observer, watching all the things God does. We need to jump in with both feet ready to love whoever God brings our way.
Who can you love today? Brainstorm together and decide who you’re going to connect with. Then end your time in prayer, asking God to open your eyes to those around you who need to be cared for.
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