A Reflection on the Journey

I think David (from the Bible) enjoyed herding his family’s sheep across the fertile pasturelands just south of Jerusalem. Indeed, many of the Psalms he wrote seem to reflect how much he enjoyed the pastures, Psalm 23 sticks out to me among others, “He makes me lie down in green pastures…He restores my soul”. And on top of enjoyment he took his job rather seriously too. We know from scripture that watching sheep was not always an easy job and that sometimes David needed to defend the flock from predators such as lions and bears, “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil”! We also know that those parts of his journey prepared him for many challenges and accomplishments later on in his life.

I have been reflecting on the life of David as Terri and I prepare for being the speakers at two different summer camps in Saskatchewan. Reflecting on how David’s life was a journey of steps, each step preparing him for the next one to come. There have been many amazing steps that God has led Terri and I through in our lives, the most recent one was starting our jobs with Multiply. It is a step in our leadership journey that we are truly enjoying, and one that we need to take seriously. Although we get to travel out to these camps and enjoy the activities and communities that these camps have created, we need to be ready for difficulties too. Whether that means making ourselves available to pray with staff and campers, preparing for the many times that we are leading in staff times and evening sessions, or balancing the role of Camp Speakers with the role of parenting 4 rambunctious children! In every circumstance we know that God will be with us and He will continue training us to be better and better leaders.

I have also been reflecting on how each and every person we come in contact with throughout these weeks of camp is ALSO on a journey! A journey specific to their gifts and abilities. Terri and I have been given the amazing opportunity to encourage and challenge these people to either start or to continue engaging in God’s plan for their lives! Not everyone will have a circle of influence as big as David’s was as the King of Israel, but that does not diminish the importance of every person’s part. God’s plan is to renew all things and His plan includes the participation of all of His followers!

- Ryan and Terri Epp live in Saskatoon along with their four amazing children.  They work and serve with Multiply as Short Term Mission Mobilizers.