Working at the stateside headquarters of an international missions organization has its perks for sure.
But it also has its challenges.
With the exception of Training Camps and post-Race conferences, we get to see very little of the fruits of our labor. Sure, we read story after story about how God showed up in India or Africa or Puerto Rico, and we know it’s because eight months earlier we strategized a creative way to promote that trip, plan those logistics, or (fill in the blank), but we’re not IN India. Or Africa. Or Puerto Rico.
We’re in Gainesville, Georgia.
It’s often a constant struggle of feeling overwhelmed and overworked and still not seeing much of the impact. We know the impact we’re having, but sometimes it’s just, I don’t know, hidden. Unseen. Quiet.
And while the long hours are more than worth it, they’re still hard.
I think that’s why we’ve developed a heart for the unsung heroes we’ve met all over the globe.
Cause y’all, ministry is hard.
There are so many people working all over the globe, giving their hearts and their lives to bring the kingdom of God to earth. So many heroes that continue to go unseen and unappreciated by the world at large.
So we decided to celebrate them. And it was phenomenal.
If you didn’t already know, Adventures in Missions partners with a few other organizations to host Epoch Awards, a red carpet, black-tie gala at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta. For the past year, I’ve watched my friends tirelessly fundraise for this event – not only so we can host it, but so that we can give away $50,000 to these heroes. I’ve watched as my friends designed logos, dealt with website issues, promoted it on social media, bought plane tickets for finalists – you name it. I was there when my friends stayed up late the night before in the hotel across the street making gift bags, packing favors, and folding programs.
We worked so hard because we believe that sometimes you just need to hear “Well done.”
In Matthew 25:21 we read about a servant of Jesus who has been faithful. When he sees Jesus’ face, those two, precious words transform the moment. Well done.
And that’s what Epoch Awards is about.
While we raised money and designed logos, our nominees and finalists were working in inner-city prisons, freeing women from sex trafficking, saving abandoned babies in Africa, and way, way, more than you could ever imagine.
And our prayer in our celebration was that they would continue to be heroes, but cease to be unsung.
That they would hear the loud song of “Well done, good and faithful servant” sung over their lives. To catch just a tiny glimpse of the truth that Jesus speaks over them.
Well done.
And as I sat there watching as the winners were announced, as they gracious accepted their awards and teared up at their praise, I knew it was all worth it.
And you know, there was one moment, in the midst of the tuxedos and lipstick, the videos and the sparking cider, that I felt a smile from God too. A smile that looked down on all the staff and volunteers – the people that worked so hard for this night and finally got to see the tangible fruit of their labor – and he simply said to us, “Well done.”
I brushed away the thought at first, finding it rather presumptuous. But y’all, it was a beautiful night. Tears of joy were shed, hearts were encouraged, and God was glorified.
The truth rang out that night – “WELL DONE.”
Our Marketing team, many of whom are the people that made this night happen. I’m hidden in the back so I added an extra 😉
Maybe you’ve been working behind the scenes for many years. Maybe you’re feeling discouraged in ministry – lost in the crowd. Maybe you can’t see how any of it could have been worth it. But I want to speak this over you:
Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share in your Master’s happiness.
