The summer after my freshman year in college changed everything. I had signed up for a three-month ministry experience based on the prompting from an evangelist I respected greatly. He was one of those guys who could have asked me to attempt just about anything, and I probably would have taken a shot at it. I never anticipated going on an international mission trip other than to finalize the ministry checkbox of required experiences before continuing on my previously charted path. Little did I know how much that summer would revolutionize how I saw the world’s needs and my responsibilities within it.
Before embarking upon my first and longest possible international plane ride, our organization spent the first month training us for cross-cultural work. In addition to multiple books and courses, we engaged in creative training experiences. One Saturday, they loaded our team of eleven into a van and drove us around a city that was not home to any of us. We had just met a few days before and got to know each other better daily.
That’s what made the sudden stop in the van a bit alarming to the team. We energetically talked on the ride when the driver put the vehicle in park and asked us to unload onto the sidewalk. As the team huddled up, our driver said, “I’m going to leave you guys here now. Your assignment is to get back to the training center. You must all return together. See you in a few hours.”
Our confusion was widespread as he started to get back into the van. We peppered him with questions to verify his legitimacy and clarify his intent. We had heard the assignment correctly, and he had no intention of providing any additional details. The van pulled away, and we all stared at each other in disbelief.
None of us knew where we were, and we weren’t even sure if we should begin the journey back by going right or left. We were utterly lost. In our befuddled states, every minute of our wandering trek created more frustration among the team. It was easy to be completely confident in my suggestion while passionately rejecting anyone else’s ideas. This group of eleven who barely knew each other got very acquainted, very quickly.
I’m happy to report that we all returned safely hours later but didn’t enter the building the same way. Stress and uncertainty had caused each of us to perform under pressure with varying demeanors. We each had immaterial labels placed upon us for our duration of service that were difficult to change. The assignment revealed who we really were, and we would face challenges as we continued working together.
Takeaway
Stress reveals who we are. Challenges unveil our character. While no one asks for those moments, they are unavoidable. Sometimes, they are planned like the one above, but most are the natural frictions we experience.
The question is not if you will experience stress but when.
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
1 Corinthians 1:10
Stress reveals much about you and those around you. You cannot determine what anyone else does, but you are responsible for how you respond.
Are you doing your part in your family, ministry, church, or organization to reduce the amount of division? Are you attempting to stay united? Are you avoiding the opportunity to add more drama to the existing drama?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
