Constant Watering.

Elizabeth, on her way to water some newly planted seeds, stops to talk with some friends.

Our Relationship Gardens

Interestingly in Pal, many people tend to want to see us as a service organization. Meaning that, they would like us to be always available provide significant practical benefit for their daily lives. (A great idea if that was what we had come to do – Lord knows that our friends do have many needs.)

This distorted view of us has often led to awkward situation where a broken flashlight or machete is thrust upon us with no introduction, just a “Here, fix this for me.” Our response? “Uh, I’d love to help you fix that sometime but you need to help me so you know how to do it for next time.” The thing is that sometimes those slightly rude requests can be used as an opening into relationship – interdependence with our friends – which may in turn be used to open them up to the gospel (a life or death message).

The toughest challenge of it for me (Nate) is to know when to step away from the urgent work that we are doing in the office and attend to the urgent practical/relational needs of the guys who come along to see us. This is all the more difficult as our workload is mounting in preparation for teaching in a short time. Please pray for us as we balance all of the aspects of our lives here.

Thanks very much for your partnership,

Nate for us

Having fun with folks in Pal – sometimes all it takes is a quick game of dodgeball.

Just in case you forgot that we live in a very scenic place.