I’ve recently been connected to Makayla Wheeler, a filmmaker whose has an interest in wilderness ministry centered around the ocean. Her experience offers insight into how and why oceans can be used in wilderness ministry.
photo by Kim Wheeler
WONDERS OF THE DEEP
Back in the Fall of 2016, I walked along the beach which is so familiar to me having grown up in Florida; I asked myself what is it about the beach that is so enchanting? Why does it inspire creativity and calm nerves? What can this teach me about who God is? This took me on over a year long journey to complete a documentary following six different watermen and woman who all talk about their connection to the water and more importantly how that bleeds into conservation and ministry. As a result this has opened my eyes to what the Bible says are “the wonders of the deep.”
“Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep.” Psalm 107: 23-24 (ESV)
NEUROSCIENCE OF OCEAN WILDERNESS
The differences between the natural world and the digital landscape are becoming more and more stark. With this, we have the golden age of neuroscience in which researchers are studying the effects that nature has on humans. The book Blue Mind describes the ocean’s effect on us this way, “Water is changing all the time, but it’s also fundamentally familiar: the sounds, the sights, the smells. It’s regularity without monotony.” Obtaining clues into how nature affects our brains can help us lead our outdoor experiences with more knowledge. Plus, it is fascinating to see that science is proving that people enjoy being out in Creation more then being in the concrete jungle. They are finding God’s wonders in the deep to be deeply impactful.
RELATED POST: Wilderness Experiences with Jesus on Ocean and Sea
THE UNIQUENESS OF THE OCEAN
The uniqueness of the ocean is not only that it is different from land in its horizon, but it is a totally different material. It is liquid. Experts agree that we never forget the way we started in our mother’s water-like womb. Therefore, being on the ocean provides a compliment to land activities because it is intrinsically different in nature yet familiar to us in a sense. Clearly God has built great variety and purpose into His Creation by providing a diversity of terrains and materials that connect with different people in different ways based upon their culture, preferences and experiences.
To learn more, feel free to watch the documentary, Wonder of the Blue.
APPLICATION
- How can the uniqueness of the ocean’s qualities provide insight into God’s character such as his power, his love etc.
- What are some unique experiences you have learned through the ocean or being near a body of water?
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References
Nichols, W. J., & Cousteau, C. (2015). Blue mind: The surprising science that shows how being near, in, on, or under water can make you happier, healthier, more connected and better at what you do. New York: Back Bay Books, Little, Brown and Company.
Oliver, J. (n.d.). Autistic Children Crave Being in Water. Retrieved from https://cultureofsafety.thesilverlining.com/safety-blog/2011/04/autistic-children-crave-being-in-water
