That probably does not seem like a tragedy to you, but it was tragic to us. Recently, we began a class on teamwork. During class today, our instructor gave us directions for a team building activity. It involved getting our whole team across an imaginary raging chocolate river, using graham crackers (1x1 ft. wood squares) as stepping stones. Afterward, we discussed some observations about teamwork. It is amazing how much you can learn from a simple activity. One person's actions affect the whole team. A team with no strategy and no leader has a very difficult time making progress.
Working as a team is very necessary in tribal church planting. Many stories haunt us of missionaries leaving the field due to conflicts with coworkers. Much of the training so far has involved various tasks that we have to accomplish in a group. Some people are naturally good at working in teams. I'm a team player in soccer, but I generally work better on my own. In high school, I hated group projects and preferred to study by myself. Studying alone was more efficient and less distracting. In group projects, I always ended up either doing nothing or doing everything. I'm not naturally quick to take on a leadership role unless I have to. Other people gravitate toward it.
As much as I have a hard time working in a group, I realize that some tasks are much easier that way. One time at church, the pastor told everyone to stack their chair so they could clean the carpet. In minutes, the room was transformed. The same results would take one man We all know the saying, "Many hands make light work." Sometimes I want to add, "But not when some are pushing down." There are times when a task is more easily accomplished alone. Hopefully, whatever team of missionaries I'm on won't have this kind of disunity. The problem is that I can't control anyone else's actions. All I can do is control my own. Therefore, it is imperative that I learn to work well on teams, being thoughtful toward every member. Now is the time to change. I won't arrive on the field and suddenly be a different person. In every area, I need to continually ask God to mold me into the image of Christ, who is my life. Thank you all for your continued prayers.