My journal from the beginning of the team retreat has this verse recorded: ” Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘this is the way, walk in it.’” – Isaiah 30:21

God definitely showed up to retreat with us at the Semuliki lodge. Though the time was filled with challenges, we had a constructive time of team-building through trust and conflict and came up with a new mission for the year ahead, ” though prayer and partnership, investing in the poorest.” It definitely felt that the team was moving in the same direction we have felt God moving our own spirits, away from meeting every crisis need and towards partnership and long-term needs and solutions. All in all, a VERY beneficial time and refreshing too!!

The most refreshing part was Donovan Graham’s facilitating of “journeying with Jesus” during the devotional bits of the day. Using our “glorified imaginations” we spent time meeting with our brother Jesus, sharing our journey: past, present and future, and inviting Him farther in. As I said to David midway through the week: ” I saw Jesus today and he looked a little like your friend Mark L.!!” As Jesus met me in some deep places He brought a very precious image to mind that I think pictures a turning point in the path for me.

In my mind’s eye I am on the paths of the lodge, a narrow and wandering gravel walkway in the middle of the game park. We are within sight and sound, sometimes, of the noises of the residents but also isolated, quiet and surrounded by wildlife. As I walk this path, an unfamiliar, yet familiar, man approaches me. He is my companion. My closest brother. Dearer than a husband, more loyal than a friend. He holds my hand, He looks into my eyes. He draws me. He speaks to me. He shows me truth. He is gentle. He laughs. There is smile in His eyes and in His voice. He tells me that He has been here before, but never with me. We are safe. Danger may lurk but He knows the way. We journey through difficulty with joy. I am given a sense of curiousity instead of dread as I take the hand of my brother, Jesus. As He shows me the way He has walked before.

I partner with, first of all, my brother Jesus.