Davis Missionary Journey: Strategy Formation

The beginnings of a new work are notoriously slow especially in Africa. A whirlwind of activity getting there is followed by a lull not unlike the wait after planting a field. Not being the most patient person in the world, I have found solace from one of our former Missions mentors, Gailyn Van Rheenan. In a recent series of reports he has e-mailed detailing he and his wife's new ministry in church planting within the U.S., Gailyn makes the point that strategy should flow from theological reflection. In busy ministry, time for theological reflection can often be sidelined for "getting the job done" in our production-geared culture. Sondra and I are trying to take advantage of this quite time here in Solwezi to seek the will of God as it relates to our strategy formation for this new mission. Where do we start? What are the definitions? How do we present ourselves? What systems do we put in place, and how are those systems going to operate? What policies of ministry will address the needs before us while avoiding the known pit-falls of past strategies? What is our "end-game"?
As we go through this process, we hope to share these insights (and certainly mistakes) with you through our journal. We would appreciate your prayers as we reflect and depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

"Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit."
Ecclesiastes 7:8 KJV

Traveling in the slow lane for now,
Brian, Sondra, Noah, and Bryson

Pictured below: Reflecting theologically with some of the Congolese.