Measure of Success
At TECH Team we have a heart to serve as many ministries as possible. As a service mission we are in a unique position to assist others with specialized skills they do not have or would not have access to otherwise. Our desire is to provide tools and resources for them to help them along the way in proclaiming the Gospel and, together, glorify God. Unfortunately, as much as we may desire to, we cannot help everyone.
There is a quote I have been contemplating lately. The quote says, "It is more important to be faithful than to be effective." What does it mean to be faithful? It is tempting to gauge our lives and ministry by quantifiable metrics: how many ministries did we serve, how many projects did we complete, how many countries and states did we serve in? To be sure, these are helpful guideposts, but they do not tell the whole story; they do not communicate why we serve. TECH's vision is to be the service mission like-minded Christian ministries may turn to for technical assistance and know-how. Sometimes it doesn't feel like we help nearly enough. I have never counted, but I estimate that for every ten ministries I talk with, only two or three continue on to complete the project. What happens to the rest? They change course or drop out somewhere along the way. Sometimes it feels like if we are not able to complete a project, have we really helped them?
Recently, I was challenged by someone else at TECH to look at these interactions differently. What if, instead of seeing only completed project as a success we saw every interaction as part of our mission. What if every conversation we have, every email we send, and every meeting we have helps the ministry along the way. We may not see the project to the end, but we were a step along the way and we helped a ministry make decisions on what the best path forward is for them.
I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 3:7-9 "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building." I am taking this somewhat out of context, but I am reminded how we are all part of one body, all part of the larger vision and mission of Jesus. We never know what seemingly minor actions may help others along the way.
Closer to Home
To say that 2024 was unexpected would be an understatement. The path took us along some highs and some lows. If you have followed us on this blog throughout the year, you saw Him provide a new (to us) van in the most unlikely of scenarios, a new job for Katie (even though she wasn't looking), and new opportunities to minister through TECH and elsewhere. You have seen Him walk with us through death, family struggles, weariness, and the humdrums. We pray you have been encouraged in your own walk as we have shared ours with you.
What will 2025 hold? I wish we knew, but here are the things we're planning, Lord willing:
A Christian architecture conference for Eric in March
A classical education seminar for Katie in June
A trip to visit some of you this summer in late May and early June
A missions conference for missionaries serving through architecture and construction at Judson University in October
A high school freshman will be living in our house (yes, he is that old)
Whatever the year may bring, we are glad you are on the journey with us!
Blessings,
Eric and Katie
How to Pray
- Pray for additional staff, specifically architects and engineers for Facility Solutions.
- Praise for the successful completion of construction for Mulberry Springs Baptist and Emmanuel Baptist!
- Praise for the new ministries that have contacted TECH. Pray for wisdom in how TECH can best serve their ministry needs
- Pray for Katie as she continues to grow into and learn the skills needed to teach her students well
Ways to Give
Mail a check to:
TECH Team Advantage
25 FRJ Drive
Longview TX, 75602
(Please include a note designating the funds
for the Livingston ministry account)
Give Online:
Follow the link below to TECHTeam.org/donate and choose your preferred method of giving: credit card/ debit card, PayPal, or EFT.
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