September 15 is Guatemalan Independence Day. Several days before the celebration, officials in Antigua ignite a ceremonial flame. Marathon runners gather to light torches before embarking on an epic journey. They form a relay team, carrying the flame in every direction. When Independence Day arrives, every corner of Guatemala is united under these burning icons of freedom.
Near the end of his life, Paul wrote to Timothy about issues in the early church. False doctrine led Christians astray. The lash of persecution caused many to abandon their faith. Paul himself wrote from prison, awaiting execution. Faced with the prospect of a brutal death and the young church in crisis, most of us would panic, but Paul remained at peace.
This peace did not come easily. Paul felt the church’s suffering. He mourned for the lost and prayed for the sick. He worked tirelessly to serve those under his leadership. He struggled to accept his limitations, wishing he could do more to advance God’s kingdom. He found comfort in being part of a team.
Paul did not try to run the race alone. He surrounded himself with a team of committed disciples. He trusted Timothy, Luke, Mark, Priscilla, Claudia, and others to carry the light onward, running where he could not go. He focused on his work rather than worrying about the responsibilities of others. He believed in his team.
When Paul’s responsibilities were complete, he looked back on his life with satisfaction: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). He knew his work was done. He trusted his fellow torchbearers to keep running. He believed the Holy Spirit would keep the flame alive.
Over thirty years ago, Joe and Vera Wiatt met Brother Guillermo in Antigua, Guatemala. Together they lit the flame that became Faith in Practice. Every year, countless team leaders, donors, volunteers, and staff pick up their torch and continue the work. Together they carry healing to every corner of Guatemala. No one person runs alone. The doctors rely on the red hats to find patients. The surgeons rely on the translators to make connections. The team leaders rely on the staff to organize materials. Each person plays their part contributing to a beautiful, cohesive whole.
As we look to the future of Faith in Practice, may we each focus on our section of the race, running forward with perseverance and faith. Let’s invite new members into our relay team, acknowledging their gifts and talents. May we trust the Holy Spirit to continue the work where our efforts fail.
When Christ returns in final victory, he will finish the race triumphant. There will be no more suffering or pain or tears. The light of the world will eliminate the darkness forever.
