Connecting you with the best mission resources as you move forward on your path to the nations. Don't just go, GO well prepared.

Let Your Light Shine Bright

Immediately before his ascension, Jesus’ promised his disciples that the coming Holy Spirit would empower them to be “[his] witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Though they had already been commissioned to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19), their instructions were to begin this mission in Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). While there are significant theological reasons for making Jerusalem the starting point of the church’s mission, we should not overlook the simple fact that …
 

…beginning in Jerusalem meant starting at home in their own community.

In our efforts to bring the gospel to the most distant and unreached corners of the globe we must not overlook the opportunity and responsibility that God has given us to make Christ known to the folks next door—our neighbors.
 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17

The theme of giving is strong in the Scriptures. The words “give,” “giving,” “gift,” and other such words occur at least 2,100 times. The very first occurrence, however, is in connection with the giving of light. God placed the great lights in the heavens “to give light upon the earth” (Genesis 1:15). Light is the basic energy by which all creation functions but, so far as the earth is concerned, it is the particular light from the sun which energizes all earth’s processes. God Himself is the Light (Genesis 1:3; 1 John 1:5; Revelation 22:5) and that light antedates the sun, but He made the “lights”; He is the Father of lights.

In the same manner, as joyful celebrations commonly involve gift-giving, so they have always involved many lights. When Christ came into the world, the shepherds saw the glory shining (Luke 2:9), the wise men saw His star (Matthew 2:2), and John testified that the “true Light” had come (John 1:9). Today, the remembrance of His birth is everywhere marked by an abundance of lights. Even the Jews’ festival of Hanukkah, observed concurrently with Christmas, is called by them the “festival of lights.”

Read on to discover: 

• The Gift of Creation

• The Father of Lights

• The Other Gifts of God

• God’s Spiritual Blessings

• The Permanence of God’s Gifts

Expand Your Vision, GO Short-term

Over Christmas break explore the possibility of a vision trip, internship or gap year overseas. There are currently 770 opportunities posted by 57 different organizations on Mission Guide, formerly ShortTermMissions.com

I watched her eyes redden, moisture collecting at their edges. “No one told me how lonely this would be,” she shrugged.

She’s a global worker, but despite her training and passion, hadn’t counted on the excitement of the Great Commission dissolving in potent alienation.

If you don’t treat loneliness overseas as an issue to be dealt with, it’s possible it might shorten your shelf life in your host nation.

How to Honor Parents When Called to Missions

Following God overseas as a missionary is a decision that affects not only the missionary but also the missionary's parents left behind. It's possible to navigate these difficult conversations while honoring each other and God's calling.

I was sitting in a living room with a young man, his parents and another mentoring couple, when I realized the parent-child dynamic is strong and complex, even in adulthood.

This young man was feeling called to serve cross-culturally, and there were tears, confusion, and confessions.

How do you follow God in your calling and honor your parents, even if they are not on board? 

Relax by the Fire

Wherever you find yourself this week, take some time to quiet your heart, get with God. You might enjoy sitting by this crackling fire that includes Christmas classics on the piano.

My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming." Psalm 27:8