One of the tribes I belong to is the tribe of missiologists - people interested in studying and leading others in thinking about the assumptions and implications associated with the way we do things in this whole business of cross-cultural mission. A mouthful, isn't it? I love that kind of stuff though.In this country, many of these folks belong to one or more of several organizations that are holding concurrent annual meetings right here in Colorado. Let's avoid names - I'd rather not have this pop up on people's search engines.
The last time I went to one of these meetings, it was sponsored by two of these three organizations; drew much the same crowd. That time I was quite nervous. I had been pressured into writing a paper to present at the local chapter of one of the organizations, and quite without my knowledge agreeing to do so meant my paper would be considered for presentation at the national gathering. When I got a letter saying, more or less, "Congratulations! You've been selected to present your paper.... we'll expect you there," I groaned... quite resented the fact that accepting the honor was going to cost me $1000 in airfare, hotels, and conference fees.
I also thought: I'm not going to know these people or fit in with them. The presenters are all Dr. this or Dr. that, and the people who attend are mostly mission agency executives, maybe a few wives. Is there really a place at the table for some girl who isn't even "Director" or "Vice President" of anything, and only has a Bachelor's degree?
What I didn't realize then, I see clearly now:
- The people who come to these events are all called to the same purposes that I am.
- Most are skilled and experienced in seeing and believing in the potential of people - especially younger coworkers. That's a big part of why they are leaders.
- They are also very comfortable reaching out and building new relationships - they are friendly.
- And even if they include more men than women, at this level, women are more than welcome at the table and are treated as equals and colleagues. (Now, if we could just do something about the fact that they aren't missed if they aren't there!)
And the man in the picture "with" me? Call him a tribal leader. He's receiving a lifetime achievement award tonight. When I signed up for the conference - since I had no responsibilities to lead, teach, or manage anything - I wrote to the conference organizers asking what I could to do help. To my amusement I was asked to fetch the painting of this good man from the keeping of someone in a nearby city and arrange to have it framed. So I did that, and Dr. W. spent a good part of this last week in my living room. Wouldn't he be surprised to know?
The leader of one of the organizations sponsoring this event is someone who used to have a close relationship with Caleb, our dear-departed ministry, but I wasn't sure he'd know me. That I'm identified with a larger organization and only just now beginning to untangle the branding/identity mess we've made in the last couple years does not help. I've been pleasantly surprised. SM greeted me warmly last night, with effusive thanks for my help in the framing project.
There are lots of other people I knew before and others I've gotten to know through events like this. And the five representatives of the organization I'm now with are warm towards me as well. The man they call "Uncle Jack" was clearly uncomfortable with a handshake, expecting (and receiving) from me a hug. He wasn't the last.
Another colleague whom I saw last night is one I owe a phone call - yeah, thank you, Lord, we can work out our business face to face! She was helping at the book table for this event, and said: "Hey, where's your book!" rather loudly and repeatedly. "Why isn't it here?" It was a matter of moments before I worked a deal with another colleague and they are now selling my book - I had a stash of them purchased at author pricing in the trunk of my car. Wow, that was easy.
5 comments:
If I remember right, our friend Jim Meyer painted that picture.
That's right!
sorry, that was just me I deleted.
Just wanted to say, I was trying to figure out why in the world we would be giving someone a painting of themselves, but it's not for him, it's meant to hang in the institution he founded to honor him there. That makes a lot more sense. RW himself got a statue thingy for his desk and a certificate for his wall. And a video documentary kind of thing about him was put together as well.
Carissa and I had a conversation recently about how we'd want to be honored if we were given awards for lifetime achievement - oh, wait, that would have to be lifetime mediocrity - but the competition for that might be too fierce!
getting a painting framed? at last an area where out skills overlap, we must be twins! I sent 18 paintings to the framer / paper conservator this week. it's bad to hang valuable artwork in the bathroom. the water messes it up!
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