What is “The Pelican Life”?

When you partner with PPM, whether as a mission trip participant, trip leader, or Church partner, you will undoubtedly hear some talk about living “the Pelican Life”. This term goes far beyond a reference to a name or mascot. The Pelican Life is about recognizing the sacrifice Jesus made and committing to living a life of sacrificial love and generous service. We do this by serving our communities, and freely sharing the love of God with those who may or may not know Him. In this blog we will go deeper into the background of the pelican metaphor and the biblical basis for living The Pelican Life.

A Metaphor of Sacrifice and Service 

The pelican in “Praying Pelican” originated from PPM’s first local Church partner in Belize, where pelicans are very common. Pelican imagery is seen throughout the Church in Central America, and the bird will travel long distances to care for its community. Mother pelicans are also known for sacrificing their own body in times of famine by pecking their skin to feed their children, mirroring the ultimate sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us on the cross. 

The Pelican Life is a commitment to servant leadership, just as Jesus calls us to in Matthew 20, verse 28.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Just as Jesus gave his life for us, we are called to live in a self-sacrificial way, giving our time, skills, and care in order to benefit others for the glory of Christ. 

A Framework of Biblical Values

The Pelican Life is the practical manifestation of PPM’s three guiding values. At PPM, we live and work with humility, integrity, and guided by prayer. Living the Pelican Life means putting others before ourselves, and fostering a culture of respect and dignity among the communities and church partners we serve. We show integrity by always striving to do what is biblically right and being good stewards of the work God has called us to do. This might mean doing the right thing, even if it’s harder, over the easier or more convenient way. And finally, The Pelican Life is rooted passionately in Christ by going to Him in prayer and seeking His will and the Holy Spirit’s leading in our decision-making. We are reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words in Colossians 3 verse 16-17.

^“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Your Call to Live the Pelican Life

At PPM, our hope is for you to see The Pelican Life as not just a mission trip experience, but a lifelong posture of sacrificial giving, mirrored by the pelican and the life and sacrifice of Christ. Whether serving domestically, abroad, or in your own local community, we challenge you to consider how you can demonstrate humility, serve with integrity, and always submit to God in prayer.

Are you Looking For a Way to Serve?

We invite you to join PPM on a mission trip, sponsor a pastor through Church Sponsorship, or simply look around your own neighborhood for opportunities to serve sacrificially and advance the message of the Gospel.