The Pilgrim Dance
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Reflections on the 2026 Asia Regional Gathering
"We will start with the Pilgrim Dance." During the 2026 Asia Regional Gathering, participants formed a circle to learn a simple prayer dance: three steps forward, one step back. Hands resting on one another's shoulders. One person leading with a Bible in hand.
The movements reflected the realities of ministry—that progress is rarely linear. Setbacks often accompany seasons of growth. The hands on one another’s shoulders express, “I understand. No one walks the journey alone.” The leader holding the Bible represents following God’s Word with the Holy Spirit. Together, the dance became a reminder that God continues to lead His people through every season.
For Co-Executive Director Daniel Groot, this imagery inspired him to reflect on how far everyone has come. "As I looked around the circle, I saw people who had lived out this dance for many years, persevering through setbacks, team conflict, persecution, global pandemics, and disciples falling away from faith, and yet still taking steps forward in line with God's calling. Our gathering was a retreat, a way-station to rest and be refreshed, as this community of people has continued on the journey."
Around the circle stood leaders who have faithfully served across Asia for at least two decades. Every four years, Servant Partners brings them together for a time of rest, spiritual formation, and encouragement to sustain them for the years ahead. Centered on the theme “Come to the Waters,” the retreat invited participants to step away from the demands of ministry and receive refreshment on their journey before returning to their ministries that are sometimes demanding and, for others, deeply isolating. "Some of our staff are isolated, either for security reasons or because they are the only one serving at their site," Daniel said. "This may be one of their few chances to connect with peers, to be refreshed, and to be in the Word together in a safe space."
"Some of our staff are isolated, either for security reasons or because they are the only one serving at their site. This may be one of their few chances to connect with peers, to be refreshed, and to be in the Word together in a safe space."
Each morning, longtime Manila staff member Ema Smith led the group through Jeremiah 1, reflecting on God’s call and promise to strengthen those He sends. Participants also reflected on the Pilgrim Songs—the Psalms of Ascent—sung on the way to Jerusalem.
The gathering was a beautifully diverse display of Servant Partners' work across Asia. Long-term field workers, national movement partners, local leaders, member care staff, and regional leadership worshiped, prayed, and shared in Hindi, Tagalog, Thai, and English. Though their roles and contexts differed, all were united by a shared calling to serve marginalized urban communities and proclaim the hope of Jesus.
Daniel has witnessed the maturing of their ministries as they have let God continually shape them. “The specific work that these people were doing 20 years ago is not the same as it is now,” he said. “As they have matured, so has their work, even if their call to the unreached and to the poor remains central in their lives.”
Looking ahead, Daniel reflected that the next Asia Regional Gathering will tell an important story. If many of the same faces gather again four years from now, it will be a testament to God’s faithfulness and sustaining grace. And if there are no new faces, it will underscore the need to raise up a new generation of workers. Pray with us for the next generation of faithful servants to find their place in the circle.
Until then, these veteran servants continue the journey together—sometimes three steps forward, sometimes one step back—always following the One who leads them onward.
