I recently watched an episode of ‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls’ featuring actor Michael B Jordan. You may remember Michael from the movies ‘Creed’ and ‘Black Panther.’ In short, Michael B. Jordan looks like he can handle an adventure.

Nonetheless, as Bear and Michael climbed a sheer cliff and rappelled down into a dark cave, I was struck by the realization that actors normally have stuntmen take over for these scenes. As the two men huddled in a stone hut that night – a wild sheep wedged between them for warmth – I found myself remembering how uncomfortable camping can be. Bear and Michael made it out alive. But it was definitely not without difficulty and discomfort.

So why do people say ‘yes’ when asked to join Bear Grylls on an adventure? From what I can tell it’s because they want to spend time with Bear. They want to learn something. Perhaps they want to prove something. But above all, they seem to have their eyes set on something higher. They want to persevere through difficulty and walk away stronger.

In John’s Gospel, we are reminded that Jesus said ’yes’ to the adventure of dwelling among us (John 1:14). In Greek, John literally tells us that “the Word became flesh and pitched his tent among us.” The author of Hebrews explains that Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2).

If we are to walk (or hike or run) in the Way of Jesus, we must say ‘yes’ to the unknown. We must keep our eyes on Him, remembering the cross.

Today I am grateful for Rev. Philip Doublestein and Vicar Chad Bresson, planting incarnational ministries in San Antonio and Los Fresnos, respectively. These men and their families are saying ‘yes’ to the adventure God has planned for them. They and many other planters, pastors, teachers, DCE’s, and evangelists are ‘pitching their tent’ in strategically selected neighborhoods, despite potential difficulty and discomfort.

May God continue to lead us all on the adventure He has planned for us.

By Rev. Pete Mueller
Area C Mission Strategist