Alternative Missions University  

Isn’t it true that the life of a missionary, though wonderful, can be tiring? Whether it’s after a big ministry event or in the culmination of everyday life, one feels the need to re-charge their soul.

I think we can all laugh and relate to the AMU student who said, “This will be my last quiet week until the second week of April. I feel like I should hurry and relax a bit until it all starts up again.”

It seems that we’re all keenly aware of the need for rest, but not always sure how to go about getting rest. Isn’t it true that the day you set aside as your day off, there is always some ministry need that arises? There will always be medical calls at 2:00am. There is always someone who needs to be discipled late into the night (or early in the morning). And there is always that feeling that “this is what I was called here to do.”

I’m so glad Jesus understood and modeled what rest in the midst of ministry looks like.

A close study of the gospels reveals the cycle that Jesus often followed (Luke 4:31 – 44; 6:12 and Mark 6:7-13; 30-32)…..

Prayer/Solitude → Community → Ministry → Prayer/Solitude

Jesus’ life was marked by balance and rhythm. Do I exhibit these rhythms in my life?

This time of solitude or rest looks different for everyone. Not one of us was created the same, which means that none of us are “re-charged” in the same way.

Last week, one of our AMU asked a question regarding rest:

“I am just curious, since I have never been to the other AM sites, what do the rest of you do for your “break away from everything” moments, more than just your free time, or do you even do that? I would love to hear some responses.”

So let’s talk. I know from experience that this question is relevant to each of us. Perhaps in sharing what you do to rest and re-charge your soul could spark creativity for a fellow AMU student.

In conversation, I’d love to hear:

1. What do you do to “break away”?
2. What tends to emerge in your life when you neglect to rest? What symptoms appear?
3. What tends to emerge in your life when you are deeply connected to God, when your soul is healthy?

One AMU student responded: “I am quickly going to answer your question on what I do to “break away from everything.” What I do is pretty simple here in Seattle or when I am in Tepic. I grab my iPod and go for a super long walk (I average an hour-its good for losing weight too-ha!). I love listening to music, I love people watching, and I especially love the streets of Tepic, so, for me, those walks are priceless. It’s a time for my mind to think, to process, or to just drift and think about nothing. I love a crowd, don’t get me wrong, and I love socializing, but I know that I need those walks. Pretty simple huh? but it works for me.”

What works for you?