I recently returned from a two week expedition with Overland missions into two separate chiefdoms in Zambia, Africa.
To say that the experience has changed me would be a gross understatement.
It has been my privilege to participate in several "missions trips" over the years, but this trip has left an indelible mark on me.
The experience has marked me, not necessarily because of the cultural perspectives gained or even the type of ministry in which we participated, but predominantly because of the philosophy of ministry practiced by the Overland staff and it's execution throughout our time with them.
What I mean is this; from the time we stepped off the airplane and into the overland trucks, until we walked back across the same tarmac to head west, we were introduced and embraced into a faith community unlike anything I have witnessed anywhere in the world. The genuine demonstration of brotherly kindness and love was/is truly beautiful. There is a recognition of individual gifts and appreciation as those gifts function to help create the ease of flow and operation of the whole. It was the body of Christ demonstrated as I have never seen it before. Sure there were moments of humanity, but these were quickly brought into the filter of the fruit of the Spirit and handled appropriately, in a healthy, biblical manner. Also, I think part of the beauty was that each individual we encountered had embraced the call God had placed upon them individually, but were willing to lay down personal ambitions and agenda's for the fulfillment of the mission/vision of the whole… To take the Gospel to the world… but I digress...
Our team was stretched, spiritually, physically, and even emotionally, as is part of any missions/service experience… but, it was truly a joy to work within the structure that was established for us by the Overland staff. Our team leaders, Ciaran, Cristy and Beau, performed their functions with expertise, seasoned with joy that became infectious. Even as they challenged our team to step out in expressions of faith and ministry, that many of our team had never previously experienced, we did so with a willingness brought on by their joyful encouragement and exemplary Biblical leadership.
I could go on and on, but in the interest of time I will conclude simply by saying thank you. Thank you for embracing and modeling a strategy/model for ministry that should be practiced the world over. I will return to partner with Overland, perhaps again to Zambia with a team or maybe even on my own. I do not yet know… I'm still processing through the experience and the things God continues to speak through it to me.
