A dream led me from a jungle path to a cathedral of worshipâ and from there, back to real life, where leadership looks like surrender, not polish.
The Trail, the Cathedral, and the Table A dream led me from a jungle path to a cathedral of worshipâ and from there, back to real life, where servant leadership looks like surrender, not polish. Read time: ~5 minutes
These little ones are full of light and wonder. They have no idea they were born two and a half months early. No memory of the 66 days in intensive care. No awareness of the quiet, costly sacrifices made so they could have their shot at life.
And theyâre also blissfully unaware that the world is complicated. In their world, God is in control. Everything will work out. Joy is natural.
We, on the other hand, are deeply awareâand deeply grateful. Grateful to God. Grateful for the BC medical system. Grateful for the invisible scaffolding that allowed us to be near them every day.
Theyâve just begun their race, and already they radiate joy. And weâre hereâparents, grandparents, mentors, friendsâcheering them on as they take their first steps into the world.
This week, as we celebrated life and legacy, I had a vivid dream that reminded me what it means to keep showing up in weakness⌠to lead from surrender⌠and to trust that God is at work even when we feel out of place.
Section 2 â The Dream
I believe God often speaks through dreamsâbypassing our busy minds while we sleep. Over the years, Iâve learned to pay attention.
In the dream, I was bringing the Good News to a remote village in Vietnam. It felt like a rugged camping trip. Primitive lean-tos. Cooking fires. Organized chaos. The locals were joyful and eager to learn. I was helping them grow in their connection with God and one another, while they taught me how to enjoy their food and rhythm of life.
Even so, I always felt like a clumsy outsiderâfumbling through my belongings, never quite prepared.
Then it was time to move on. A group of young people gathered to go with me to the next village. I didnât feel ready. My clothes were stained. My gear was a mess. But I stepped out anyway.
Ten steps in, I sank knee-deep into a hidden swamp. The ground looked solid, but it gave way beneath me. The youth skipped past easily, knowing the path.
They didnât mock me. They didnât pity me. They just kept goingâjoyful, light-footed, and focused.
I climbed out, wiped off, and followedânow last in line. As we walked, they began to sing trail songs they had writtenâprayers, theology, worshipâall in their own style and language.
Then the path transformed into a grand cathedral. Stone columns like trees. Light filtering through stained glass. Echoes of sacred prayers in the air. The same youth, still singing, still alive in their faith and culture.
I felt out of place again. But then a quiet truth settled over me:
These young people are in the Kingdom because I came.
Not because I was strong or polished. But because I showed up. Because I stayed.
Servant leadership doesnât begin with competence. It begins with surrender. With going low. With showing up in weaknessâand watching God show up in power.
Section 3 â Living Faithfully in a Foreign Land
When I woke up, the feeling lingered. Once again, Iâd been reminded: every time I start to feel like Iâve got things figured out, God leads me into a new setting. And Iâm the beginner all over again.
Still, this Iâve learnedâGod works through surrendered weakness. Through those who stay, when it would be easier to leave.
I thought of Abraham, âlooking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is Godâ (Hebrews 11:10).
And of King Jehoiachinâreleased from prison after decades, given royal garments, a seat at the kingâs table, and daily provision in Babylon. Still in exile, but honored and sustained. And somehow, he didnât lose his identity there. He deepened it.
Thatâs the call of the servant leader: To stay rooted when culture pulls at your soul. To sit at the table of foreign kings without forgetting where you come from. To bless without blending in.
Reflective Questions:
Can we enjoy this life while longing for the City of God?
Can we live in a culture of indulgence and still stay rooted in truth?
Can we stay faithful to Godâand stay with our people?
Section 4 â Differentiation of Self: Staying Faithful and Present
The Inner Work of Differentiation
Bowen Theory calls this maturity Differentiation of Selfâthe ability to stay connected to people who think or live differently, without losing your core convictions or identity.
Itâs not cutting off. Not blending in. Not running to like-minded circles. Itâs staying grounded in who God called you to beâwhile staying close to your people.
Jesus lived like that. Present with the weak, the hostile, the confusedâwithout ever losing His center. Thatâs what spiritual maturity looks like.
This is the way of the servant leader.
Section 5 â What Gets in the Way?
What Gets in the Way?
God gave us powerful toolsâour minds, our emotions, our bodies. But they need to be disciplined.
Our Brains reinforce what we already believe. Thatâs why we must renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and take every thought captive (2 Cor. 10:5).
Our Emotions are powerful messengers, but not reliable guides. We feel⌠and then we move forward in trust.
Our Bodies crave ease, but weâre called to hunger for righteousness (Matt. 5:6). We steward our strengthânot for appearance, but for purpose.
Section 6 â Final Invitation: Live Like Jehoiachin
Still in exile. Still in a land not your own. And yetâclothed with honor. Seated with dignity. Rooted in covenant. Overflowing with grace.
Live like a servant leader who doesnât need to prove anything. Mud on your clothes. Weakness in your step. But surrendered. Present. Faithful.
This is the way of the servant leader.
Deanna’s Journey to Healing
Deanna, Lucy, Ellis, and Paul
Weâre learning that joy is one of the most powerful forces in healing. And our grandchildren are experts at spreading it.
Deanna continues to walk her journey with grace. Weâre encouragedâand grateful for your prayers.
For the joy of the Lord to strengthen us, especially on hard days
For clarity about how to be âsaltâ in every setting
For courageous leaders who lead with surrender, not statusâservants who bring hope to hurting people
Rick, Deanna, Colleen, and Jim Obergfell, Harold and Joan Hansen, Ross and Karin Hansen
Legacy and Long-Term Friendship
Jim and Colleen visited us this week. Thirty years ago, they were our heroes. Boat-builders with PAZ mission. Faithful friends. Their kids always included everyone. It was a picture of the Kingdom.
Iâm more convinced than ever: long-term friendships matter. Small examples make a lasting difference. And God expands our capacity as we grow older.
Many young leaders are in the shadows, waiting for the old guard to make roomâ to move aside and give them their day in the sun.
