By Andrew Fox, British Isles Mission Centre and Eurasia Mission Field, Mission Centre President and Financial Officer, Field Bishop

The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.

Jesus Christ invites each of us to follow him by becoming disciples who share his life and ministry. Discipleship is a wonderful calling but one which brings with it many challenges that may lead us to faithfully ask, “Why?”

Gareth attended our church youth group. Gareth came from a large family and, despite being only about nine years of age, was often expected to look after his younger brothers and sisters. Gareth was looking forward to the youth group camping weekend. Two days playing with his friends and sleeping in a tent was just what he wanted and needed.

On the Friday evening, the adult helpers erected the tents, but by Saturday morning, the weather was terrible. It rained all day, and we ended up occupying the children in the church building rather than in the nearby woods as planned. As evening approached, we suggested to the children that we sleep in the church rather than in the tents. There was a cry of disapproval from the children and particularly from Gareth.

So, we transported the children out to a sodden field in the middle of which sat a few rather sorry-looking tents. By the time we got clothes and sleeping bags to the tents, we were all cold and wet. Later I lay in my damp sleeping bag with rain lashing down on our tent, thinking of my nice warm house just a few miles away and asked myself, “Why am I doing this?” Suddenly Gareth, who was lying beside me, said in a quiet voice, “This is like a dream come true.” My question had been answered.

The path of a disciple is not an easy one. Sometimes it requires us to do things that are much worse than sleeping one night in a damp tent. But, when tempted to faithfully question, “Why am I doing this?” I would suggest you reflect on the story of Gareth and remember that as you walk the path of a disciple, opportunities will arise to make dreams come true.

Prayer Phrase

“Happy are those who observe justice” (Psalm 106:3).

Healing and Reconciliation

Gather a small mound of stones. Meditate on the stones as symbols of differences and destructive acts that continue to separate and wound the human family. Name and anoint each “stone wound” with a drop of water or scented oil. Offer them to God in a prayer for healing and reconciliation.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.