We’ve all heard the adage that quality is better than quantity. As a whole this is true, but what happens when quantity IS the quality? What if the best quality thing you can give someone is time?
In working with people on the edge of society or with the next generation, trust is critical. In order for them to hear what you have to say, they need to trust you. One thing that they need to trust is that you are there for them. Period. This takes time. Trust takes time. It cannot be rushed nor can it be faked.
Right now I have no time. No time to create an environment of discipleship among our missional community. No time to dream of plans for community development. No time to build relationships in the community. And no time to meet with my neighbors. This, beyond anything else, is my greatest lack.
As the person who lives in Woodland Village, I have a connection with my neighbors that others in our missional community don’t have. Spending time with my neighbors is what will foster greater relationship among others in our community, so that eventually I’m not the only one they call. Until that happens, though, I’m it. I’m the (wo)man on the street. I’m the one thinking about them all the time and longing to build relationship. I’m the one who hears things going on. I’m the one who starts to build the trust.
Two sources of encouragement are that I have been able to build in time for the youth in Wauconda. This is something that brings me energy and joy. Wednesday night is also a time of great joy as we eat a meal and grow together in our missional community. A place of discipleship and mutual care is forming out of these weekly encounters.
There are things, however, that I need to divest from my schedule. This is no easy task given the nature of the work. I need to find a replacement for me at Inside/Out, an immigrant and inner city kids ministry in Waukegan. I absolutely love the kids and the neighborhood there, but that is not where God planted me. I have no ability to invest in these kids outside of the two hours on Tuesday and to me that is unconscionable. This goes against everything I am and do as a missional leader! I’m praying for a leader who is present and who can go beyond what we currently do on Tuesdays.
I also need to divest myself of some accounting clients. That is hard since my support is insufficient. The support?! The pay is insufficient! But I’m seeing God move in amazing ways. I believe he will increase exponentially the support so that I have a truly sustainable life rather than one that is just of bare subsistence. Between support raising and strategic clients, I’m believing for full provision in 2012.
With time I could build deeper relationships and expand my influence in Wauconda and my neighborhood. With time I could create a place for other leaders to learn about living missionally. With time I could be rested and possibly have the potential for a personal life, something for which I am increasingly feeling the need. With time God could transform this community.
Yes, I’m asking for a lot. But I’m confident it is what God wants of me: Time.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If you’d like to help in any way, volunteers are always needed in Waukegan. Younger (under 50) males are really needed but all we ask is for you to be available. You can also support me financially. A monthly pledge of $100 (or whatever God prompts) would go a long way to helping me reach the community God has entrusted to me, as well as to train others to live in mission where they are. Check out “About the Mission” for more details on giving.
Thanks for reading and helping as God leads. Blessings! Kim
