Margins. Do you remember doing a writing assignment and, in order to meet the requirements, you increased the margins a little? Or maybe you had so much to say that you narrowed them down to fit everything you wanted to say.
Margins are defined as providing an edge or a border or they can be the amount from which something is won or falls short. Have you ever thought about margins in life? My life is just plain busy right now. It seems like at every turn and every moment of my day there is something pressing. Even as I sit and write this blog, I have pushed the deadline as far as allowed.
Thankfully, as I write I am also preparing for a few days of camping with my family. There will be a whirlwind of preparations and packing to be done; but once the truck is loaded and we drive away, I anticipate taking a deep breath and beginning to find a place of peace and rest, leaving the demands of our normal routine behind. I am looking for sweet moments with my family and hoping for good conversation, laughter and even some (dare I say) quiet.
It is at this place that my heart begins to connect with the upcoming mission trip to Japan. Life is so busy. Sometimes that busyness is full of energy and excitement; and at other times the busyness is exhausting and threatens to overwhelm me. I often swing wide between these two places and struggle to find a true and good balance.
In the Foundations hour a couple weeks ago, Pastor Don shared some statistics about Japan. It is a thriving country, known for technology and other advancements. The people are raised in an honor culture – always striving for achievement and approval.
Here are a few statistics about church in Japan:
- There is 1 church for every 16,000 people
- Average church attendance is 35 people
- The 10-year church growth rate is 1.2%
- 70% of pastors are over the age of 50
- There is approximately 1 missionary for every 64,000 people
- The number of missionaries serving in Japan is down 34% in the last 20 years
Take a moment to re-read those numbers again. How do those statistics make you feel? Now put yourself in the shoes of a pastor or missionary in Japan – how do you feel?
About 15 years ago, a small group of pastors and missionaries set aside some time to gather for teaching, encouragement and fellowship. They stepped out of their normal routines, the daily grind and the heavy burden of a slow harvest. They were seeking God and looking for margin.
This small gathering now has grown to what is known as CPI – Church Planting Institute National Conference. This year they expect over 400 missionaries and pastors to gather in one place, but with same purpose as originally designed. As these busy, hard-working and tired individuals and families come together, they are seeking encouragement, teaching, fellowship, peace and quiet.
When I reflect on this I feel my own agenda and problems fading; and a desire to serve begins to grow. I think about the mission trip to serve those who are serving.
When I overfill the margins of my life, it is hard for me to give God His deserved and rightful place. It is difficult for me to hear the Holy Spirit’s leading. I admittedly become more selfish, focusing on me and my, while others take lower priority.
My challenge, to both myself and you, is two-fold.
- Are you giving God adequate margin in your life? It’s a daily struggle – but worthwhile.
- How can we come alongside our brothers and sisters who are serving in Japan - to love on them, serve them and give them a place to find margin in their lives and ministry as well?
In my effort to write from my heart I have left many of the details of the mission trip unstated, but be assured it is an undertaking that needs our entire Grace community. It is my hope and prayer that in giving and providing margin, the glory of the gospel is magnified both here and abroad.
In Christ,
Leslie Velasquez