Sendusout

Over the past few weeks I have had a series of “lasts”. My last art class with Kinder, last day to take Ela to ballet, last day to help out in Ian’s class during centers, last time at Union Church, last trip to the supermarket, last day of preschool, last time at the beach, last time to snorkel, last time to hang out with friends…and with each “last”, I have to let go of friends, special places, responsibilities and a little bit of who I have been over the past five years. It feels a bit like how I would imagine a trapeze artist feels as they fly through the air, knowing that in a moment they will have to let go of what feels secure and grab on to the next.

In seven days I will do the same, hanging suspended in air figuratively and literally as we fly across the Pacific ocean, letting go of the Philippines and all that entails, ready to grab on to what God has for us next. Fortunately we do not have to let go of everything. The past five years have changed us in so many ways and I believe it has also been preparing us for what is next. We move forward carrying with us the friendships, wisdom, knowledge and experience we have gained to assist us with what is ahead.

Perhaps one of the things that has changed the most is how we approach church and missions. “Look to the nations, watch and be utterly amazed for I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe even if you were told.” (Habakkuk 1:5) God is expanding the kingdom through “rapid multiplication of indigenous churches planting churches that sweeps through a people group or population segment.” With 2.7 billion people in 6,693 unreached people groups, rapid multiplication is the only way to go. God is building the church without buildings, he is “bringing the church back home”. Daniel and I want to be a part of that! We are still not sure of where or how, but we will follow God and see where he leads. We are leaving the Philippines, but we are not leaving missions.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. As you have sent us out, you also are sent out. We are all in this together, sharing the freedom that only Christ can bring. My favorite saying is “Live Free or Die!” which I picked up from New Hampshire’s state motto. It is something I completely believe. There is no life without freedom in Christ. What can be more important than sharing that with others? Sometimes we lose sight of that in the daily grind of life, but we must say NO, we will not! We will choose to move forward. We still ask God to send us out. Stay tuned…there is more to come.

*Recommended reading: Church Planting Movements, How God is Redeemig a Lost World by David Garrison