|
Arctic Circle Race |
Our town, Sisimiut, just hosted their
16th annual Arctic Circle Race. It is said to be the hardest cross
country skiing race in the world. We had about 140 skiers from
several different countries come here to compete. Our town hosted
folks from a total of 15 countries. They came from Greenland,
Denmark, New Zealand, America, Russia, Germany, and other countries.
The racers were of a diverse age group also, the youngest being 14
and the eldest being 67 years old.
|
Click to enlarge |
They left the starting line on Friday
at 10:00 AM. They had to travel a total of 100 miles in 3 days,
arriving back in our town throughout the day on Sunday. We were able
to go out Friday and watch them leave, cheering them on for this
harsh competition. There was a big turnout and beautiful weather as
they began their trek. Masey and I agreed that we would have died of
exhaustion before the race ever got underway! They were doing
something that we couldn't physically do and it was impressive.
The racers started arriving back before
noon and we were there to watch them arrive by about 1:30 PM. Some
came back all alone and others in groups of two, three, or four. We
got to see the only American in the race, Leslie Hale, arrive back.
I was able to speak with her for a few minutes before she went to
rest and warm up. The race was an utterly exhausting experience.
|
Flag wavin' Maryanna! |
There were a few upsets during the
race. One of the main male contenders hurt himself shortly into the
race and was out per doctors orders. Some others couldn't handle the
race and quit. A few didn't even show up for whatever reason and
were disqualified.
You can view the professional pictures
and articles at:
www.acr.gl. Click "read more" to see some
of the pics of the departure and arrival of the racers. Also below
the pictures I have some thoughts from my observance of the race and
how it relates to missions.
|
And they're off! |
|
Beautiful weather for a race! |
|
Some of the skiers passing by |
|
The American, Leslie Hale, on the left front |
|
Hinnarik, a Greenlandic comedian |
|
Cheering fans |
|
Moving skiers gear out to the campsite |
After the racers left I got to thinking
how that is a good picture of sending out missionaries. At a sending
service there is a great celebration and cheering. We expect
wonderful things and hope for the best! We think of how great it is
for them to be involved in what they are doing. They are involved in
something that most others cannot or will not do. Then the
missionaries are off into the field of service like the races sent
off into the cold wilderness.
It didn't take long for the racers to
pass out of our vision and out of most people's minds. I'm afraid
that happens with missionaries too. They head off to their field of
service, pass out of the minds of those they left cheering them on,
and soon are forgotten. Those of us that stayed behind don't see the
trying conditions, the pains, the hunger, the strain that the racers
went through. And most don't see or know of what their missionaries
might be going through. Some missionaries face greater dangers than
others but they do face danger, hardships, exhaustion, and hunger for
the familiar things of "back home".
At the finish line we waited to greet
those who had completed the race, but not everyone finished. Some
had been disqualified, some had quit, and some had been injured too
bad to continue on. This happens with missionaries too. Some become
disqualified, some quit for the world or other things, or some suffer
injuries to great for them to continue on the field.
There was nothing that I could do to
help those in the Arctic Circle Race who were like this but the
racers were not alone during their race. Folks assisted them with
food, shelter, drying their clothes, rest for their weary bodies, and
friendship. Missionaries need assistance also. They get beat up by
language, culture, loneliness, lack of supplies, and many other
differences from what they are used to. But there is something that
can be done for missionaries. I can pray for them: the man, his
faithful wife, and his dear children. I can check in on them:
letters, cards, email, Face Book, etc. I may even get to go assist
them one day: see their hardships, difficulties, problems, and also
the blessings, miracles, and provision of our mighty God and Saviour!
There is more ways than these for those of you that are more
creative than me, but I challenge you not to forget your
missionaries.
I'm not writing this for just the
Arnold family only but for all of those missionaries out there who
may feel frustrated, alone, forgotten, and helpless at times. I am
sure there is a missionary family or two that your church supports
who could use a note of encouragement. I am sure you could find a
missionary who would love to hear that someone REALLY IS praying for
them, not just hoping someone is. I am sure that you could find a
missionary wife that would love to have an encouraging conversation
with an English speaking Christian who believes like she does. I am
sure you could find some missionary kids who would love to get cards
on their birthdays, a letter from America, or get a dollar bill to
show off.
Check out the prayer letters that your
missionaries send in. If they email the prayer letters, sign up to get them. Read them, pray for them, and correspond with
them! Of course if you aren't in church, then you will have great
difficulty find a Bible believing, Gospel preaching missionary to do
this with. OR if you are in a church that doesn't support
missionaries, my advice is to ditch that thing and find a church that
believes and preaches the Bible and supports missionaries. A church
justifies it's existence based upon it's missionary works. If it
isn't involved in missions, there is NO reason for that church to
exist! If you need help in finding a missionary to correspond with
or a good church, let me know and I'll try to help.
Just like the Arctic Circle skiers ran
a rough and rugged race, and so do missionaries. Not everyone could be
involved in the Arctic Circle Race, but everyone can be involved in
missions! What are you doing??
|
In the background skiers are completing their race |
Great analogy. Nothing like being personally involved!
ReplyDelete