The Breaking Point

"Be glad you didn't come on this trip".

Those were Mike's words to me moments ago on a quick phone call. After a week of me saying: "I don't think I could have done it" and him saying: "Oh sure you could have" these were his first words. "It's become everything you would have feared: mountains, fog, darkness, rain, zero visibility".

As the team rolled into Pennsylvania they seemed to have hit that moment that most short term teams hit (if you've been on one you know what I mean), when it all becomes too much. Stress and exhaustion in the face of real (not perceived) danger, bubbles over. They were facing mountains with unending switchbacks in the rain, fog and dark.

After a two hour all- team meeting of decision and prayer what it came down to is that Mike's team of four (with one driver) forged forward being both the chase vehicle and the rider...one van with three bikes on the back rack and a rider in front. "We've been going all night". He said. "We do 15 miles at a time."

For you bikers you'll understand: "it's been switchbacks in granny gear, constantly looking for more gear but it's not there, you get to the top and want to cruise down but there is rain, fog and signs everywhere telling trucks to be cautious."

The rest of the crew and the other team (on whom the Tetons fell solely and squarely if you've been following) are trying to get some much needed rest.

My thoughts turn to the Congolese World Relief team living in the epi-center of the conflict, danger and horror of Eastern Congo. Day after day they soldier on. An unwavering hope in a God who seems to have forgotten that they exist. Facing personal tragedy (death is so near to everyone in Eastern Congo) and hearing, seeing unimaginable pain and tragedy every day. They cannot give up. They cannot leave. They cannot stop. There are no easy answers. You do not tell them: "God works all things together for good...". How can you?

Yet their Hope still rises. Like an amazing flower pushing up through a heap of ashes. Far more beautiful than the hope I have. And so you sit at their feet in awe and amazement. They are true heroes. Their faith dwarfs mine. They are those of whom the world is not worthy.

I find myself longing for their faith and hope but God reminds me quietly that it does not come while I live my life here in the Disney Land of the world...in padded ease and comfort. It comes when all hope in this life is gone. Yet He remains. And in Him we lay our full hope.

I will pray for both teams today. May God meet them in that desperate place and remind them that He is and always will be our only Hope in this life.