Preparing a Fire Plan
26 November 2013
By: Graham Bee. Recently horrendous bushfires ravaged south-eastern Australia, with over 7,000 people left homeless and 200 people killed. One couple was saved because they were able to take refuge in their purpose-built fireproof bunker and then they were able help other people in the fight to save their properties. The husband had only agreed to build the shelter after his wife had continually nagged him, but today they acknowledge it was this planned refuge that saved them. Generally, caregivers are compassionate people, ready—and often expected—to go the extra mile, and may place themselves at risk because of self-neglect. Ignoring our own physical and mental health during times of intensive care giving can lead to burnout or breakdown that could take years of recovery. Australia today has estimated 10–13,000 ex-pastors. It is no wonder that churches and mission agencies are concerned with high attrition rates. As caregivers it is important to remember that if we are to survive the pressures and challenges that confront us in our ministry, and continue to be a blessing to others, we need a “fire plan.”
Here are a few suggestions from this fellow-learner and journeyman who is still on the road after 42 years. 1. Remember, there is nothing selfish about taking care of yourself to be able to give the best possible care to someone else. Prevention is better than cure. A burnt out caregiver struggles to survive himself, let alone provide quality care for others. Plan to not be one of them. 2. We have a refuge; make a habit of running to Him. In Psalm 46:1 (NLT) the psalmist testified that “God is our refuge and strength, ever present to help in times of trouble.” Again, in Psalm 142:3 (NLT) he tells us: “For I am overwhelmed and you alone know the way I should turn.” Directly outside our bedroom window is an evergreen, leafy eucalyptus tree. It provides shade for us on the hot humid days when the sun’s rays would otherwise heat up our house unbearably. An even greater thrill for us is that it provides shelter to a family of four owl-like Tawny Frogmouth birds. Sometimes we don’t see these big birds for weeks on end, but then, after a violent overnight tropical storm, we wake up in the morning to see the family has returned and been protected by our tree. What a lovely picture! It is a reminder to us as caregivers that it is important for us to be able to take refuge; to be sheltered from the storms and shaded from the heat of battle. Just as the eucalyptus tree stands ever ready with branches outstretched to shelter our birds, God is ALWAYS ready to help in times of trouble. 3. We have a helper who encourages us to come to Him and promises to give us rest. While in Africa I did not heed that invitation as often as I might have and found that time spent recovering from frequent bouts of malaria were times when I could draw near and enjoy His presence without interruption. 4. Recognize and accept that bad things do happen to good people. After 30 years of missionary service together, my wife was stricken with cancer and the Lord took her home. One year later I contracted cancer myself and had to undergo surgery. I began to ask, “How much more Lord?” During these experiences when I was at rock bottom, I found that the Rock sustained and supported me. He was with me in the fire just as He was with Daniel’s three friends. 5. Don’t lose sight of God’s purpose. Our trial can become our testimony, and out of the comfort we have received we are able to comfort others. Since the trials mentioned above, I have found a new ability to empathize with those who have suffered with cancer and loss or undergone major surgery. 6. It is essential that we set boundaries in ministry and make sure we take time to relax and be refreshed for the next stretch. Every now and then a missionary couple who lived in a village near us in Ghana would radio us to ask if it was convenient to have them visit and “let their hair down” with us. On other occasions they would take some days in the city. They are still ministering after 30 years. My friends, for the sake of the children and their futures, I encourage you to develop a “fire plan”—a strategy to cope in the face of ministry pressures. Remember, God is abundantly available to help us in the tough times (Psalm 46:1 NAS).
