Some people describe faith as a journey. Ok, I admit that I was one of them. But as we've started out on our Building Tomorrow Together building campaign I've been encouraged to think of faith as an adventure. Here's why I've changed.
When I was a child and our family would travel on summer vacations, the first thing my father would look at was a map. A journey needed directions and a map provided the way to get from, say, Aiken, SC to New Market, VA. Looking at the map, we could plan the trip; where to stop for lunch along the way; an occasional attraction like a Civil War battlefield; and finding a place for the night. It was comforting to know that these places were ahead, at least on the map. At age 45, it’s comforting still, to know what lies ahead on the journey called life. I want to be able to see the curves and the detours, the long hills, the flat easy stretches of highway, or places of rest. I've come to realize though, that I don't need a lot of faith to live like that.
When I was in college, a classmate and I took a mid winter day hike to Shining Rock Wilderness in NC. Not expecting to be gone long, we only took a small rucksack with us - no map and no water. We began in the morning and made it to the quartz field that is the top of the mountain. Early that afternoon we decided to head back. Dark clouds were beginning to form in the west and in our haste to descend, we missed a cut off and found ourselves at the top again. No map - no water. Heading back down again, we made our turn but found ourselves helplessly lost on a wilderness mountain at dusk in January with no provisions. I remember Haines and I praying as we walked, hoping to see a trail sign that looked familiar. Finally, about dark, we made it down, cold, hungry, and thirsty and we gave thanks to God.
That's an adventure.
We've begun a journey in our church and titled it Building Tomorrow Together. It’s a building campaign and the title reminds us that we're going with God. Together with God, we're creating a new future for our church and for the community we seek to serve.
The Genesis Group, who we've retained to help in this adventure, reminds us that it is built on three convictions:
Spiritual growth is the overriding goal. Funds be raised, but more importantly, the level of our faith will be raised. This adventure goes against all logic. It will call for what some consider a miracle.
We will be asked to give
- in a world that
focuses on getting the most form the bottom line.
We will be asked to give sacrificially
- in a world where Alex Rodriguez (Houston Astros) makes
just under $1,000,000 a week.
We will be asked to enjoy the journey and give thanks to God.
Am I a little nervous on this adventure? You bet. That’s why we pray, isn’t it?
Nevertheless, I'm counting on a miraculous God to see us through.
See you in church.
Jim