31 05

WJI 2019, Day 14 AM

The sun finally shines in Sioux Center, and the finish line is almost in sight. WORLD frequently refers to the term “DQ” or “Determination Quotient” as one of the main characteristics of a successful journalist, and they certainly have put our DQ to the test during these past two weeks. Everyone can feel the final crunch time settling in, and even while writing this blog post, my mind wanders to the long list of tasks that must be finished before tomorrow’s dinner.

We’re so grateful for these past two weeks and the test to our DQ’s, but I’m also reminded this morning that DQ can lead to pride. We look at our work--radio clips, news reports, videos, photography profiles--and too often pride comes. I did this, I tell myself. I forwent sleep, food, and so many other creature comforts to accomplish this.

Marvin’s lecture this morning preached the gospel. Before the good news comes the bad news. As Christian reporters, we can’t ignore the bad. Instead, we have to engage it head on, diving into the brokenness that surrounds us. In so doing, we will be pushed into the heart of the gospel, driven to seek hope in a world full of pain.

It’s because of this gospel and our Lord and Savior that we boast in him alone. My alma mater’s motto says strength rejoices in the challenge. We’ve been handed one challenge after another this week, and there has been joy in overcoming. But who gives us this strength? Who sustains our life and breath? Who has brought us to this place, and who can take us from this place?

Should nothing of our efforts stand, no legacy survive

Unless the Lord does raise the house

In vain its builders strive.

To you who boast tomorrow’s gain

Tell me what is your life?

A mist, it vanishes at dawn

All glory be to Christ.

All glory be to Christ the King

All glory be to Christ.

His rule and reign we’ll ever sing

All glory be to Christ.

May all we have received and all we have done these past two weeks at WJI bring Christ glory, and Christ alone.

Lyrics from All Glory Be to Christ by King’s Kaleidoscope