It was the story that for about 2 weeks, captivated the world. The Thai boys soccer (or Futbol depending on your preference) and their coach who were trapped in a cave. I personally had been following it every day. From the time I woke up until I went to bed at night, I would find myself checking my phone for updates as to the situation, all the while praying for rescue and life. I know this was the case for multitudes around the world. When word was received of the retired Thai Navy Seal diver who lost his life in the rescue effort, things seemed to take a downward turn and even though news that they were still alive had been encouraging, this loss of a heroes life was very disheartening. The rescuers pressed on, however, and did not lose hope. Then, a couple of days later (and over the course of 3 days), we received the joyous news that the mission of rescuing the 13, stranded in darkness and essentially, a grave, was a success!
My friend Peter, was talking about this a couple of weeks ago, before the boys had been rescued, and it really got me thinking about all of the moving parts that it took to make this a success. To be completely honest, this entire story had me captivated and emotional. Throughout this ordeal, and especially through the difficulties, loss, and ultimately – success, I can’t stop thinking about those of YOU who are a part of our support team. I also can’t stop thanking the Father for you and your heart.
As I read the story and even since the rescue have gone back and looked at and read through several times what it took to make the mission a success, what has gripped me was how so many people had a role in seeing it through. See, a lot of focus is put on the Thai Navy Seals and the rescue divers who came in from other countries to actually go into the darkness, put themselves on the “frontlines” as it were, search for life, and when found, provide hope and a way out. It is truly incredible and I applaud them loudly for their efforts and selflessness. I have found myself however, drawn to all of the other seemingly “little” things. The laundromat that cleaned up the rescuers clothes every night so that they could start again fresh the next day; the locals who saw that the toilets needed more attention than they ever had, so they took it upon themselves to clean them; the drivers who offered free rides for rescuers, medics, etc. to get up and down the mountain; people setting up to serve free food and drinks to help provide sustenance to all involved; along with many more things. That moved me. People saw needs and stepped in to help, from the Navy Seals and divers to those willing to clean toilets – truly remarkable!
Thai Navy Seals Photo Cred: AFP
Just being honest, people like me and my family are sometimes celebrated when we return to our “home” country or churches as we are sometimes viewed through a similar lens as that of these Navy Seals and rescue divers. Continuing in that honesty, it feels good to at least be remembered when you return. Sometimes when you’re overseas “on mission”, it can feel like you are forgotten as distance – even with the internet – does keep you away from people you know love you, but out of sight out of mind can sometimes be a real thing and a real feeling. I am thankful though, for the other rescuers that are a part of our team, our missional family. Those of you who spend time each day in prayer for us and those we are here to “rescue” by carrying the hope of Jesus to them, are in no way forgotten. Those of you who have come out here to love on our family, and love the people we are loving, are in no way forgotten. Those of you who give of your finances to help support our being here, in the dark, searching for life and delivering the only means of rescue that will truly bring them to Light and Life, are in no way forgotten. We are so thankful for you. We thank the Father for you daily. We see you. We feel you. We want to honor you and your selflessness to be on mission with us. It is truly an honor to be a part of this with you. Thank you.
One more thing I want to say as well, as this is something I am extremely passionate about, is that we see you as people also on those front lines. Whether you are in full-time ministry, work in the corporate world or blue-collar world, own your own business, are a stay-at-home parent, are a student, or anything else. Where the Father has you right now is your mission. There are people all around you, lost in caves without hope, and you are their Navy Seal, you are their rescue diver. It might be your spouse, your child, your friend, your co-worker, your waitress, an employee, your boss, or anyone else. You are their best chance of being brought to the Light and Life of Jesus. Whatever it takes, I want to encourage you to open your life and be willing to go into the darkness, to carry the oxygen and path of Jesus to them. Whether its ever seen or not here on this earth, heaven applauds it and is cheering you on. For what it’s worth, so am I and I would love to hear about it so that I can pray, cry, and celebrate with you.
My prayer is that we would all continue on in faithfulness in the big and small things knowing that our work in the Lord is not in vain.
Much love,
Clay
