Catch and Release
Over Christmas I had the oportuntiy to read a powerful book, "Same Kind of Different As Me", it may have been the most powerful book I have ever read, it is a true story!!!. I could often only read ten or fifteen pages and have to walk away from the book as i was in tears.
The story is of three people from two different, radically different backgrounds, that the Lord brings together through the vision of a woman and the power of God. There is a poignant scene in this book where the two gentleman are having a discussion about friendship.
When we hear the words "catch and release" we often think of fishing. If we catch a fish that is undersized we then take it and put it back in the water or if we are simply fishing for the sport of it we take the fish and put it back in the water for another day. Either way we only have that fish in our possesion for a short time.
Going back to the discussion between the friends one man who has had a hard time in life and has never had a true friend, asks the other man, "Are you going to catch and release me?" In other words are you going to invest in me for a short time and then forget about me?, or are you and I going to be true friends that stick by one another?
I have thought alot about these words "catch and release". I began to think about some of the people God has placed in my path who I have not been in contact with for some time. I also thought about the people that are hard to minister to and what my commitment to them is. Am I in it for the long haul or simply to "catch and release".
One area of ministry where I know the Lord has specifically directed me to is our First Nation Indian Reserves. This is not a catch and release ministry. It is a get involved, make an impact and show people the love of Christ in all I do.
Maybe you have a desire to make an impact somewhere this summer. I encourage you to take a step of faith and reach out into short term missions. I believe our staff are commited to long term impact of the people we serve. Come alongside of us and make an eternal impact.
