4 Things I’ve Learned in my First Term
Today's blog is part 2 of a four part series. If you missed part 1, you can find it here.
2. Relationships require intentionality. Gail and I were blessed by being based in Brussels where a number of missionaries are stationed. I’m thankful that we had veterans to lean on when we needed them. (Especially, after my ruptured brain aneurysm!) Like all relationships, these require intentionality. Missionaries tend to be very busy and focused on their respective ministry, so we set out to connect with as many as possible. We opened our home every Monday night through the NFL Football season for missionaries to come and fellowship and catch a game (on-demand from Sunday). I also learned that there are no “coat-tail” relationships in Eastern Europe where most of my ministry was focused. While an introduction can be facilitated through a mutual connection, a relationship is only established when a meal or coffee has been shared personally. I will be eternally grateful for the first year’s focus of building relationships as that yielded rich friendships and lasting connections.