Missions on the Mind

This past week our church hosted a missions conference. We had the privilege of hearing several of our church's supported missionaries share what God has been doing and where He is leading them. Some were "seasoned' missionaries while others are preparing to go the field. Each was encouraging to listen to.

Yesterday we heard a family share about their experience working in the states with refugees. They shared about how we can reach out cross-culturally in our own community. We often think we have to go somewhere exotic but really the Lord has given us the opportunity to reach others for Christ right where we are.

The missionary used the text of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37. They shared three points that I thought I would share with you.

1. Be on the same road.
*We need to love others.
*We need to be willing to take a risk to be on the road with others.

2. Be spontaneous.
*If we are running all the time it is difficult to be spontaneous.
*Be prepared to be spontaneous.

3. The Good Samaritan acted out of compassion.
*Compassion enables us to roll up our sleeves and get dirty.
*Compassion enables us to see beyond the obstacles.
*When being hospitable - remember the food is not the most important thing.

4.Involve others in service.
*(my interpretation here.) We don't have to go it alone, allow others to help too.
*Love others.

It was a great morning challenging me to think deeper about how we do missions right here.

As a side note: Please pray for our oldest two children and their team as they minister this week in London.


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Challenged

I know that it is truly summer here. The temperature this evening was 87 and it was humid, though there was a nice breeze as the kids enjoyed the pool. (the four kids that were home) And while it is summer I have been thinking lately about what season of life I am in. Actually, trying to figure out what season of life this is? With an about to be 20 year old down to an almost 3 year old sometimes I get confused where I fit.

The one thing that the Lord keeps bringing to my mind these days is "Who am I sharing the gospel with?" I feel that I could use the excuse that at this time in my life my family is my mission field, or my 4th grade Sunday School class, or the families that I come into contact with through the Orphan Ministry that we are involved with but what the Lord is impressing on my heart is that there are others out and about that need to hear the gospel.

I am being challenged to look outside my comfort zone and I am asking the Lord to open my eyes to those that need to hear His truth and secondly that when He opens my eyes to someone that then I respond by taking hold of the opportunity to share His truth with them.

Pray with me, won't you?

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