My favorite collegiate football team has a tradition which sets it apart from a vast majority of other college football teams – the names of the players are not printed on the back of their jerseys; instead the players are identified only by a number.  The reason for this tradition is simple to determine – each jersey is a resounding reminder that the game of football was never meant to be understood as an individual sport, it is by its very nature a team sport.

When traveling overseas, no matter how well one prepares for every eventuality, things are likely to get dicey.  It is not surprising that some will be blind-sided by the fatigue of drastic time zone changes, long airplane flights, eating unfamiliar foods and the ever dreaded traveler’s diarrhea.  Our team was not exempt from such challenges.  When met with these challenges our team rose to the occasion. I could not be more grateful for my opportunity to serve in the DRC, Malawi and Rwanda with five teammates who willingly surrendered jerseys without names and who set aside reputations and personal agendas so that they could do what they believed God had called them to do.  I loved/love each one (Amy, Chris, David, Meehae and Tina) but my respect for each one has increased even more along with gratitude and respect.

Some precious interaction with young leaders in the DRC

As I read I Corinthians 12 I observe that the dominant theme of this chapter is abundantly clear – each individual member of the Body of Christ is crucially interdependent with every other team member; each fully functioning team member makes all of the other members better!  David Nusz (our only non-Newsong attendee) just sent out a note with his reflections about our team to his prayer partners; I found it apropos and so I will share it with you in conclusion:

Every member of the team was amazing and in a very unique way gave me so much in terms of inspiration, education and entertainment. There were moments when the team members were exhausted, sick, discouraged or frightened but I cannot remember a single time when anybody did not look out for their team and those we were ministering to.  Under fire, the group was always focused on the mission and it would be an honor and a pleasure any time to work with any or all of them again, God willing.

Affectionately yours,
Ed