With David working full time and my final semseter of University, a wedding to plan and a new season of marriage to prepare for, life is full to the point of overflowing. So it may be unsuprising that our excited chatter about our Exodus team to India has been met with the occasional exclamation of, "are yous crazy?!" It is with this in mind that I have attempted to write a breakdown of our thinking as we embark on this journey to soon be followed up with an 'Introduction to Team 9', coming soon.
My first thought is perhaps best reflected by an article I read lamenting a pattern of Christians getting married and then their ministry 'going quiet'. Reading this reminded me of my motivation to be vulnerable through ministry during all seasons of life. I could sympathise with the period of "settling in" that the article described having experienced how life gets almost frantic as soon as marriage enters the equation; new financial responsibilities, finding a home, new jobs, new routines, investing in this new season of relationship. The same goes for engagement. Almost before the announcement has left your mouth there is an excited bombardment of questions about dates, venues, colours, bridesmaid dresses.. the list goes on. But at the same time I was unsettled by the outcome of this; couples stepping back from ministry and the resulting air of mystery surrounding newlyweds and engaged couples; where are they? How do they interact with each other? Should wedding planning look different for Christians? Are married people really always happy and satisfied?
Exodus (the organisation we will be working under) believes passionately in discipleship and the weekly meetings leading up to our trip allow us to share our lives with a group of young people and build up the trust to enter theirs. This year I have been deeply challenged by the example found in 1 Thessalonians, "we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
My second motivation is the perspective that this ministry can provide. Knowing we will be experiencing an Orphanage in India the month before our wedding has been instrumental in challenging the choices we make. Again, coming to terms with the possibility of mosquito bites and a really bad farmers tan to compliment my wedding dress has introduced a healthy (and much more realistic) perspective that flies in the face of any pressure to be a completely perfect bride.
And finally, we are simply excited about mission! Beyond our wedding, we are giddily excited about the marriage ahead and the resources God has provided us with in each other. As we actively seek out the ministry God has in store for us we are inclined towards mission and travel and seeking out God's plan for us. India is an opportunity for us to push more doors as we try to discern the burdens that God has put on our hearts.
We are commissioned to make disciples of all nations as we go. Marriage is a part of your goings.
ReplyDeletePrepare for the day when you stand before friends and family and enter into a covenant so valued that the creator uses it to illustrate his love for us, his bride.
Value you that day. Eat. Drink. Be merry.
And among the dazzle, allow this to be the preemptive soul stirring to the rest of your life doing Kingdom work with your forever partner in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
A venture to India seems like perfect premarital time spent.
xoxo