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RENDEZVOUS

In the Trenches Together

by Jim Parks, Interim Executive Director

Three times a year the missionaries of the RMBM get together for quarterly meetings to discuss "family " business, share a meal, and to report on what God is accomplishing in their ministry area.

The fact that the summer quarterly meeting is kept in permanent suspense because every one is too busy with summer ministries is probably one of those things that best typify the Mission. There is a bent to prioritize the real business of the Kingdom —everything else can wait.

To me one of the most important parts of these quarterlies are the last couple of hours when the missionaries give their ministry reports. The routine involved is simple: each missionary first shares recent developments in his/her ministry area then concludes by asking for prayer in specific areas of need. The next missionary begins by praying for the previous missionary then gives his own report.

As missionaries speak, I hear God being honored and lifted up. They tell of what He has accomplished through His willing servants. As the prayers go up there is the sense of compassion and intimate understanding. Each one of these people understands the ups and downs of ministering in the rural setting. They are in the trenches together! It is a time of real corporate worship before God as we share the blessings and challenges we have recently faced.

At the most recent of these meetings, just this past January, I found myself once again impressed by the rare breed of people that God has called to serve Him at the Rocky Mountain Bible Mission. I heard reports such as the one about four or five young people who were consistent in their attendance at one of the Pathwalker clubs, and of the 14 men and women in one church who had committed to learning about living a purposeful Christian life, and about another missionary's intent to start a Bible study methods class.

And as I listened, I had this thought: In the eyes of the world these reports may not seem like much in regard to life accomplishments. But this is precisely what makes the people of the Mission so rare. They tend to see events through the eyes of Christ and not through the eyes of the world. They appreciate the real value of what God is accomplishing and are willing, therefore, to give their lives over the long haul for the people in the communities where God has called them to serve. In this day and age that is indeed a rare quality even within the Christian setting!

The Mission's Quarterly meetings are open to any who are interested. If you are in the area and would like to worship with us as the missionaries give their reports, the next one will be held April 27 in conjunction with our annual Shepherd's Conference. Please check with the office for details.