Great Lessons From Base Camp

Tim and I just returned home today after 2 weeks at Base Camp. We feel well-equipped to begin taking steps toward the field, and a bit overwhelmed at the same time. We’re glad that WorldVenture staff helped us to develop a realistic timeline for pre-field ministry. Instead of going to the field in the Fall of 2010, it seems more likely that it will be the summer of 2011.

So what are some of the things we learned?

• The process of getting to the field is just as important as the ministry we hope to be a part of. God is using this time of preparation to teach us invaluable, hard lessons that will be instrumentable in keeping us on the field long term.
• If we don’t plan time in our schedule to do the things that refresh our souls (ie. hobbies and spiritual retreats), we will run the risk of major burnout.
• Partner development (aka. support-raising) is primarily about relationships, not the money.
• If we are encouraging others to give, then we must also be generous givers.
• Givers are more blessed than receivers. So we are not taking resources away from others by inviting people to join our support team. We are allowing people to give their resources to God and to partake in the blessing of being part of what God is doing around the world.
• And many more lessons!

Thanks for praying for us! Please do keep praying for us as these next 2-3 months will be a very key time for Tim and me to clarify our goals and vision for partner development.