James and Monica’s PCS dinner
It doesn't take a hero to
order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into
battle. - Norman Schwarzkopf
James and Monica moved to Ft. Campbell with the expressed
interest in getting training and discipleship so that they might be able to
engage in the mission of Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations. Some have arrived at Campbell- through
nothing of their own choosing…. But the
Carters arrived through a direct, intentional, and purposeful choice. They recognized the command of Christ to make
disciples- they were already doing as best they can to do it- they saw people
at Ft. Campbell who can help them to do this effectively. They made intentional decisions to be away
from the comfort of their own homes, their own families, and their own friends-
to get the training in how to lead others as they engage in Christ’s work to
make disciples.
Over 500
miles to move away from the familiar, from the comfort, security, and safety of
home- to allow others to invest into their lives so that they can meet the
mission of Christ. That’s what they
did…. That’s what they are doing again…..
The
decision to move here, for training 7 years ago….. has culminated to what is
going to happen in the next few days… and the next few months…. And the next
few years.
Not an issue of safety, comfort,
security- but one of dedication, courage, and commitment to Christ. I'm reminded of a great quote from John Shedd.
"A ship
in harbor is safe - but that is not what ships are for.- John A. Shedd
We’re not
here for safety, or comfort, or our happiness…. We’ve been chosen by God to do
a work, to execute his gameplan, to fulfill His desires to see the world come
to know Jesus Christ. That is going to
take men and women who are not worried about playing it safe. They've chosen to take on the great adventure as God matures them and uses their lives to send them out and make disciples of all nations.
Matt 28:18-20 All
authority on Heaven and Earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit. And teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And
surely, I will be with you till the end of the age.
Maybe there are some risks... maybe there isn't safety... maybe we have to take a step away from the familiar- But Jesus promises He will be there for us. That's enough for me. That's enough for the Carters as well. Godspeed to our fellow laborers, our team-mates, our friends.
