The roar of the single-engine Cessna filled my ears as we flew over South Sudan’s untamed wilderness. Through the small window, the landscape unfolded—winding rivers and scattered villages featuring traditional homes known as tukuls, constructed from mud, grass, millet stalks, and wooden poles.
As we descended, the dirt airstrip came into view. It resembled more of a narrow footpath than a runway, flanked by tall grass swaying in the warm breeze. But what truly captured my attention were the hundreds of villagers gathered along its edges: men, women, and children dressed in vibrant traditional attire with faces radiant with joy!
As soon as the plane’s wheels touched the ground, the villagers surged forward, singing and laughing as they draped handwoven garlands over our shoulders. Their weathered hands lingered for a moment, radiating unspoken gratitude and honor, filling the air with warmth and appreciation. Their joy was infectious, and their gratitude made us feel deeply valued.
Our church has been visiting this remote village for over two decades. We have shared stories of faith, trained pastors under the shade of massive trees, and recently constructed the only medical clinic for miles—a beacon of hope for over 250,000 souls. This visit was not just a mission; it was a homecoming.
One evening, as the sun set on the horizon, our team gathered under a sprawling tree. We sat in a circle with people from the village, reflecting on the incredible work God had accomplished in and through them; I could not help but marvel at the amazing transformation of these beautiful people before me.
These individuals have endured the devastation of civil war, ethnic violence, humanitarian crises, war crimes, and more. Yet here I sat with some people who are now filled with unmistakable faith and joy. At that moment, I realized our mission was not just about the medical clinic we built but the shared journey of faith we embarked upon, fostering a deep sense of unity. This shared journey of faith binds us together, creating a sense of belonging and unity.
As we continue this vital work, it is essential to remember the foundation of our calling. Too often, we become so consumed by doing good deeds that we overlook what God may want to accomplish within and through us. Let us not lose sight of the significance and purpose of our work and remain grounded in our calling.
In Invitation to a Journey, M. Robert Mulholland, Jr. captures this tension: “We live in a culture that has reversed the biblical order of being and doing. Being and doing are integrally related, to be sure, but we must have the order straight. Our doing flows out of our being.”
Just as I have witnessed transformation abroad, Jesus reminds us of this truth in John 15:4-5: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
These words remind us that our actions (“doing”) must flow from our relationship (“being”) with Christ. Just as a branch cannot bear grapes without being connected to the vine, disciples cannot do meaningful work for God’s kingdom without abiding in Jesus. This truth should inspire and motivate us to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else.
Abiding not only sustains us but also empowers us. Jesus made this clear in Acts 1:8 when He told His disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The strength to carry out His mission comes from our efforts and the Spirit working within us.
“Abiding in Christ’ means staying in His presence and connecting with Him through prayer, scripture, and obedience, allowing His life to flow through us. It is about living each day with awareness of His presence and seeking His guidance in all we do.
Abiding naturally leads to fruit-bearing. In our work in the remote village, this fruit is evident in the clinic we built, the pastors we trained, and the relationships we cultivated. Although the quality and quantity of the fruit may vary, the presence of fruit is unavoidable when we remain rooted in Christ.
But what is this fruit?
• It embodies Christian character, including the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
• It demonstrates how God’s transformative work in us is evident to the world.
• It encompasses reproduction—just as every fruit contains seeds for further growth, disciples are meant to multiply and create new followers of Christ.
Grape growers carefully cultivate, plant, water, and nurture their vines so that the fruit can thrive. Similarly, we are called to intentionally cultivate, plant, and care for the seeds God entrusts to us.
Jesus’ statement, “Apart from me, you can do nothing,” reminds us that although we may experience remarkable earthly successes, only the works accomplished through and in Him hold eternal value.
As the Cessna ascended from the dirt airstrip, I gazed down at the village below, where people waved goodbye. The clinic, the pastors, and the growing faith community were tangible signs of God’s work. Yet, more than what we had built or accomplished, what lingered with me was the beauty of abiding.
Just as the villagers welcomed us with open arms, Christ invites us to remain with Him, rooted and sustained by His presence. The joy on their faces came from what had been given and a deep faith cultivated over years of abiding in Him. Their lives, once marked by hardship, now overflowed with the fruit of the Spirit—a living testimony to the power of being before doing.
As we navigate our lives, we should remember that true impact comes from our efforts and abiding in Christ. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit apart from the vine, we cannot fulfill our calling without remaining in Him.
So, as you reflect on your journey, ask yourself: Are you soaring ahead in your own strength, or are you abiding in the One who gives life?
