The presentation is all loaded up on our laptop, tucked snugly away in my husband's bag. Prayer cards are printed and on hand, and the kids are adequately prepared to keep themselves quiet and busy for as long as needed. 

As the dinner plates are cleared away and the dessert set before us, the conversation still hasn't turned to our ministry. Although our gracious hosts have been prayerfully and financially supporting us for years, a few hours pass and we are gathering our things to leave when the question finally comes up, “so, how is everything over there?”

I'll admit, the first few times this happened, I felt a bit miffed. But very quickly the Spirit convicted me and reminded me that this – listening to the stories, fears, and dreams of our partners – is a huge part of our ministry.  

We see time and time again, when Jesus entered into the lives of people around Him, He started by listening, by asking questions, by working to understand (though of course He already knew!) the heart of the person before Him. Obviously, Jesus had the most important message in the history of the world to share, but He didn't jump right in and start talking.

Listening to others is a hallmark of Christ-like living. Our pride often gets in the way and whispers, or maybe shouts, “but what I have to say is really important!” Yet Scripture reminds us that living like Jesus means putting others, and what they have to say, before ourselves. (Philippians 2:3) 

As global workers we are privileged – we have hundreds of people read our news every month, we spend night after night while on home assignment sharing about our lives and our work. We talk a lot and lots of people listen. Honestly, this is not normal! But it's a deep need in the soul of every human: to be heard. And we are called to view others' needs as more important than ours. Which is why we've come to view the chance to sit with our supporters over a meal and listen a truly sacred calling.