Some years ago I heard a South African missionary lament that so many coming to minister would just “blow in, blow up, and blow out.” That kind of ministry usually looks exciting on the front end–like the approaching of a majestic storm–but it leaves behind a swath of broken and disillusioned people.

Africa is a place not usually known for its snow, let alone glaciers. But this week I read the following:

An avalanche is full of power and fury. It looks impressive. But ten years later, you’d never know it happened. Glaciers, on the other hand, are boring. They look like nothing is happening. But a thousand years later they leave behind a Yosemite. Avalanches make a ruckus. Glaciers change the world.” ~ Larry Osborne in Sticky Teams, p. 136

God’s church and His people are a powerful force that sometimes cause a ruckus, but not for ruckus’ sake! In Acts 17:6 enemies of the gospel said of the missionaries, “These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.” This disturbance was not because of a loud ruckus, but the result of faithful gospel ministry.

I know of a man in South Africa who went out not as a church planter, but simply wanted to impact his world for Christ. So he taught little children under an African tree. To many his efforts seemed meaningless, inefficient, and certainly not promoted by church planting manuals. But after twenty years those children are grown, and the missionary is gone, and there are churches in several rural African villages. That is a glacier mentality.

Africa needs more glaciers. We need men and women who will give their lives for the gospel of Jesus Christ; who will faithfully press against this world. And we look not for the great impressive storms to bring sweeping change. We long for fishermen and lawyers and farmers and politicians and statesmen and dyers of purple and makers of tents. We long for those who will be a force with God to turn this world upside down.

Grace and peace.

David N McCrum

p.s. Is God moving you to Africa?