No reserve

Just got back from Kentucky and the Global Health Missions Conference (www.medicalmissions.com) where I roadtripped with 11 other MSU med students. Thursday night Steve Saint translated for a tribesman from the same tribe that had killed his father and Jim Elliott. In Spanish, followed by the English translation, I heard twice over the impact God had made through sacrificial missionaries.

Throughout the following two days, there were a variety of sessions one could choose from (kind of like Urbana). My favorites: HIV and missions highlighted statistics and clinical practice as a medical doctor in Kenya with the Maasei people, photography and missions gave an overview of the importance of demonstrating visually and realistically the work being done overseas, and finally a Neonatal session about low infant mortality in India was really informative.

Spending 12 hours with Lindy, Madonna, and Abbey in the car was great fellowship and I feel rejuvenated. I feel challenged too. The last large group session the man, director of CMDA (Christian Medical and Dental Asscn) described 3 challenges - one of which was 'NO RESERVE.' In it he asked us whether we would allow ourselves to fail for lack of purpose or lack of commitment. Since I still haven't figured out 1) what specialty of medicine to pursue 2) what population to serve 3) missions domestic or international... I feel called to get my act together.

Will I live without reserve?
Will I live without regret?

What's the balance, as I face the challenges
of being a student with the calling to do ministry as well?

I've heard, and think it's true, that the closer I am to Jesus the easier it becomes to answer those questions.