|
I Bring Nothing to the Table
by Kelli Bicket
How could he have possibly known?
When David Wolf (UIMA pilot in Chihuahua, Mexico) handed Bryon Brock (UIMA director in Tucson, AZ) the bright yellow t-shirt that boldly proclaimed "I Bring Nothing to the Table," it was as if he had already known the emerging theme of UIM Aviation's staff conference that took place Tuesday, February 21, through Saturday, February 26. Over the course of the week, the theme that continued to show itself both in whole-group and small-group conversations was that we, as simple humans, bring nothing to the table, but we serve a God who has already brought everything to the table for us. He is more than able, just as 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) says, "My grace is sufficent for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Throughout the conference, there was much boasting about weaknesses but much, much more boasting about God's strength and sufficiency to do so much more in and through us and our ministry than we could ever ask or imagine.
What a blessing it was for all of the Mexico and Tucson UIM Aviation families to gather together in one location for fellowship, encouragement, updating, planning, and lots of fun! Huachuca Oaks Baptist Camp near Sierra Vista, AZ, was the place to be as the team from Mexico (the Busenitz, Farmer, Huntting, VanWormer, and Wolf families) and the team from Tucson (the Bicket, Brock, Dunn, Harmon, Ried, and Timblin families) as well as a handful of great supporters and volunteers of the ministry came together for the awesome purpose of reflecting on what God has done and seeking Him for what He will do in the year to come. Each day included prayer, worship, and encouragement from God's Word brought by UIM Executive Director, Dan Fredericks, followed by whole-group sessions spent updating, planning, and encouraging one another. Each evening several families shared about their life and ministry via pictures and videos. A definite highlight was Tim and Ginnie Ried's "spinning plates" skit, where they demonstrated if it weren't for the Lord, all of their "plates" (or the things God has allowed them to be involved in) would never come together. Again, a great reminder of His strength and sufficiency.
All of the families enjoyed movie night, game night, and campfire, as well as Saturday family fun day when they visited the Bisbee Copper Mine and an indoor aquatic center, nearby tourist attractions. Wonderful opportunities to deepen relationships and grow together in unity!
Perhaps the greatest encouragement came through informal one-on-one or small-group conversations between co-workers as details of what God is doing in and around each one were shared intimately and vulnerably. Many things not necessarily easy, like having a treasured airplane stolen or simply the daily struggles of living in a foreign country, but in all these things everyone confidently agreed that God is at work and He is more than sufficient for all that is faced. As a team, it was declared that He has provided all the strength and wisdom needed in 2011, and He will continue to be the sufficiency in 2012 and beyond. We "bring nothing to the table," but God brings everything.
 | | UIM Aviation staff and families |
|
