The View

The post below has been added by our team lead Javier.

Randy Mac

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Being able to watch the team interact with the people here is exciting. Exciting because they understand the purpose which is "To share the love of Jesus Christ in ways that make a Christian difference". Our task here is to help Pastor Rein which generally includes construction, or visiting with members of the congregation, Bible study, and children's day. Today we started the task of repairing/remodeling two Sunday School classrooms. While a part of the team went to buy supplies in the big city of Tartu, the remainder of the team prepared the walls and performed some demolition work. As you can decipher from the previous sentences, there is a difference between purpose and task. It is easy for us to get the two confused at times and which one we prioritize, the purpose or the task.

OUR VIEW. We always have this sense of duty that we must maximize our time and accomplish as much as possible in a short amount of time. This is the industrial side of our culture, production, pride, and sense of accomplishment.

GOD'S VIEW. Then there God's point of view which we fail to recognize at times. Today we were given time to recognize this view, his purpose for us being here. So, He reminded us with a taste of good ol' Oklahoma weather which caused a power failure. This shut production down for a while and what a blessing it was. To see the team interact with the children, build new relations with our brothers and sisters here in Estonia, visit with the Pastor, build new relations with each other, and admit that we needed a reminder.

Team Leader's View. This is the most rewarding part of being on the team, watching the team interact with each other and expand their world as God works in their lives. To see our District Superintendent go out and practice what he preaches. Becca and Callie with angelic voices and the giggliest girls who spread smiles to all. Casi, who is diligently working on kid's day to make sure it is a success. Larry the builder, being adamant about giving his best on this task ahead of him and to leave behind a good product. Kay the builders wife, who contributes with her quiet and humble example, never complaining. Gregg, first time missioner that has the excitement of fisherman in Bass Pro Shops with a huge gift card. Randy the blogger, a great family man with a great voice and attitude and bad jokes. Wayne, the treasurer that has a built in encylcopedia and listening ear, willing to help in any shape, form or fashion. Last but not least, Lauri Darlin', the team leaders wife, without her the team leader would not be a team leader, always offering her insight, stability, and love.

A phrase from a song in "Les Miserables", "to love another person is to see the face of God..."

There is a lot of love here. Remember, Estonia is not for fixing, Estonia is for loving. God is great, the mission is great, and the view is great. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to be in God's mission here in Estonia.

Javier