Life has definitely looked completely different than I expected that February morning in early 2020, when I first stepped sleep-deprived onto Austrian soil. Two years full of challenges that I anticipated, many more that I didn’t, as well as so many cool opportunities and God-divined unexpected meetings have happened.
Over the last year, I’ve been reflecting on how a pandemic affected ministry and specifically ministry in Innsbruck. Despite lockdowns and restrictions, there has been so much creativity to make ministry still happen, but a lot of programs also stopped during this time.
During one afternoon with my Royal Rangers Troop, we had a fire and as it reduced to hot coals, I reflected on it and how it parallels with ministries here (at least from my perspective). A fire of hot coals (while not seeming particularly active or impressive) still yields incredible heat and is far from gone. Most of the kids gets concerned that the fire is “going out”, but this is when the fire (still very hot) is most accessible and although the kids tend to not listen to this tip; it is actually the best time for them to roast their sausages and bread (Stockbrot). There is still so much life to the fire and it only needs the slight introduction of something flammable to bring the flames roaring back to life.
Similarly, ministries (specifically many youth ministries) here in Innsbruck particularly in 2020 & 2021 could seemed to have the appearance of “not being active” or just “surviving” – especially with all the unexpected challenges thrown their way (for example, the youth center I have been primarily working at, we did have a physical location for a year and a half). For a lot of programs, there has not been a lot of participant growth, but despite this, the depth that volunteers have been able to reach with those students has been so encouraging. In a way, this time is like the hot coals of a fire. It was and still is an important time where the foundation of relationship is being built with the students – an investment during this hard time, which has and will continue to foster open and vulnerable conversations about hard things, which in turn allows deep and life-changing conversations to happen! This time has been unique in allowing a concentration of focus, which I have already begun to see some fruits from that labor and investment in the different ministries here.
Additionally, it has been encouraging to see the passion and engagement from volunteers in youth ministry here in Innsbruck, pouring new life into these programs that have been making the best out of a hard situation. And not only are the workers ready to dive in, but so many youth are also craving intentional interaction and relationship and they (and their parents) are actively seeking those opportunities. Now with more freedom to meet, the fire is metaphorically being stoked and who knows how big the fire will get. The harvest is large and ready; and there is so much need for investment in youth especially right now, but I am so excited to see what this next year (and my 3rd year) will bring! More kids, more workers, deeper relationships, and more transformed lives.