Why Do I Do This?

One of the most common questions I get on these trips (along with "Why have you never married?") is why I keep doing this. As a variation, one of my readers recently asked me if I didn't find it boring to study the same lessons with people over and over, year after year.

A simple answer to why I keep doing this is that I believe it is what God has called me to do. However, while this answer is true, in some sense it's a cop-out. What leads me to believe that God is calling me to do this? I can give several reasons why I believe this, but I think the most central answer is that I can see him working more while I'm on an LST project than at any other time.

First, I see God working in the lives of many of my conversation partners. On numerous occasions, both this summer and in past summers, readers have mentioned how they have been thinking about a scripture we have discussed, or they have seen something that reminded them of a conversation we had shared about the Bible. While others may interpret this differently, I interpret it as God working in their hearts. I want to emphasize that this is nothing I have caused - I simply have the opportunity to observe and perhaps share in what God is doing. In some cases - most notably, here in Varaždin, where I've worked several times - I've had the opportunity to see these conversation partners come to know and experience God in wonderful new ways.

Second, I see God working in the lives of my teammates. Nick has shared with me how God has answered his prayers in powerful ways. He has also shared how the LST experience has helped him to have a better perspective on the variety of ways God works in people's lives.

Third, I see God working in the churches that invite us. This is particularly true of the church here in Varaždin. I have seen tremendous spiritual growth in this church since my first visit nine years ago. I am especially encouraged to see how they have grown in welcoming visitors. I have no hesitation to invite readers to church activities, as I know that they will immediately be made to feel welcome.

Finally, I experience God's work in my own life. Over the years, I have learned how to trust God more and more to direct my conversations with my readers. Furthermore, I continue to receive from my readers insights into scriptures. As a simple example, a few days ago, one of my readers pointed out to me that the Bible never says that the angel Gabriel was visible to Mary (though, in fact, this depends on the translation). I've probably read this text with over 200 people in the last 20 years and never noticed this. While a single observation such as this may seem insignificant, the accumulation of such insights over the years has helped me to grow in both my understanding of scripture and my knowledge of God. How could I possibly find this boring?

All of what I have said is based only on what I am able to see of God's working. I am convinced that he works in many ways that I don't see, wherever I am. Specifically, I'm not saying that God works more through an LST project than through any other activities in which I've been involved. What I am saying is that I see his work more clearly while I'm doing this work.

As I close, I'd like to express my appreciation once again for your prayers regarding our work. We are facing an important transition in a few days, as Nick will be going home and Morris will be arriving here on Monday. Please pray that this transition goes smoothly, and that God will continue to use us to his glory.