Sherry and Geoff discussed this idea of ‘pioneering plants’ with us while they were in Perth and today Sherry described it on their blog. She writes about permaculture and a book she has been reading on the subject, then goes on:
apparently, as other species are planted after these first inhabitants the stability of the ecosystem is strengthened. so the ability of an ecosystem to survive is based to a significant degree on the first type of species planted, a pioneering species. these initial species must be able to weather the compromised conditions of “degraded soil” in order to make the surrounding area more inhabitable for future plants.
I wonder if some of us in missionary ventures can learn from this analogy. Maybe a key quality of the pioneer is the ability to survive in difficult soil and to enable it to be more fertile for those who come after…
Thanks Sherry!
I couldn’t have described my previous situation better any other way. I recently resigned a plant after 5 years of hardship and took a staff position starting new ministries in order to rest and recuperate. It kind of puts my family’s suffering into a more positive perspective. It makes me more willing to admit that He actually knew what He was doing. Thanks for the spiritual insight.
Definatley true.
Perhaps also some need to step out in order to show the rest what can be achieved.
Australia was built on a pioneering spirit and maybe we need to re-embrace that concept in our churches today.