Pushing a Rope

As a missionary, I view myself as a 'temporary' participant in the ongoing ministry effort of my host country. The goal being to develop national leaders who are equipped to perform and carry on with the work after the 'temporaries' leave. Based on this perspective, there is always the challenge to not undermine national initiatives nor take on roles that might otherwise be assumed by nationals. However, in the clash of cultures between my goal-driven "Americanism" and the less goal-driven Mexicans that I work with, I often feel as though I'm pushing a rope. (Actually, there is often a non-cultural component to the clash, but rather a difference conflict in goals between getting 'it' done, and developing nationals so they can continue to get 'it' done after I'm long gone.) In any case, it seems that I'm usually anxiously thinking of how to advance agreed-upon objectives, while at the same time thinking how to not undermine local initiative. If I choose to work through and develop nationals, I must cede influence and control, resulting in (from my perspective, at least) less forward progress. Thus the rope. You cannot push a rope very well and the harder you push, the more convoluted things get.

There is always the leadership approach of leading the charge and then ducking out at a strategic point, having hopefully developed others with the skills and interest, who will continue the charge. I have not yet mastered this technique in Mexico, and I doubt if it is possible to do so successfully. At the same time, it is easy for missionaries to get mislead as to their priorities, especially for those who are responsible for developing our own financial support. The bottom line is that people what to see results. The problem is that 'results' come with lots of definitions. Is it projects accomplished, or future leaders trained? Are the primary objectives we seek tangible or intangible? And regardless of the definition, how do you measure it?

I must admit that I wrestle with this continually and probably more so than those in authority over me or than those who support my ministry. It is frustrating to push a rope. But for the sovereign hand of our Lord Jesus, this would be the most demoralizing job one could choose. On the other hand, in light of our Lord's promise in Matt 28:20 ("lo I am with you always..."), we cannot be discouraged at all.