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Global Consultants Ham It Up in Valley Forge
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Chez Slade, before shoveling
Sharon Buttry called this the "Got Mission?" picture.
Dan Taylor said it looked like a soprano and four baritones hitting the final note of our big number!
In fact, we were having a lighthearted moment while talking about our need to do more effective fundraising.
The photo-op came during the annual gathering of International Ministries' five global consultants. We got together last week, partly at the IM offices in Valley Forge and partly at the Slade family home, just up the road in Royersford, PA.
Our conversation about fundraising went beyond hamming it up at the denominational offices. We focused partly on our need to continue to invite people to support what God is doing through each one of us. We also spent time sharing how we have been amazed, encouraged and humbled as people have responded to those invitations!
One of the highlights of each gathering is the time we spend sharing stories of how we have seen God at work since the last time we were together. I wish you could be with us around the table at these gatherings! For, as the conversation unfolds, it turns into quite a refresher course in contemporary "missiology"--the study of the theory and practice of mission.
I find myself filled with gratitude to God as I listen to Lauran Bethell share stories from the growing movement of Jesus' followers all over the world who embody God's redeeming, transforming love for people in prostitution.
I find Dan Buttry's excitement contagious as he talks about the courageous work of those who follow the Prince of Peace into some of the most seemingly-intractable conflicts in our world.
I love the "Baptist coffee" Mike Mann brings from the hills of northern Thailand, and thank God for his work in rural development and business as mission.
Between bouts of laughter at his continual stream of puns, word-plays and inexhaustible supply of jokes, I get seriously inspired by Walt White's stories of how the Spirit of God is moving around the world in ways that are as powerful as they are non-traditional.
For my part, I am grateful to God for the chance to join and support the efforts of people throughout our world who are dedicated to preparing leaders for Christ's church.
And it was great to hear Ben Chan, our area director at IM, share his vision and enthusiasm for what God is doing in and through the missionaries and partners he serves in Asia.
Of course, the truly uplifting thing is to realize that our team represents only a small part of what God is doing through IM... which is, itself, only a tiny part of what is happening today in Christ's mission. It is uplifting, and also a good reality check. As we receive invitations to work with partners all over the world, it might be possible for us to slip into a bit of a "messiah complex," and lose sight of our place in the bigger picture. But we aren't messiahs; Jesus is. Our gathering is a good refresher on that central truth, too.
Now, a week later, we have scattered to the four winds, refreshed and renewed for the service opportunities ahead. I am grateful for the chance to learn from and be inspired by these friends. I also draw great encouragement from your support. May the Lord grant you, too, times of refreshing and renewal on the journey!
Blessings,
Stan
Dan Taylor said it looked like a soprano and four baritones hitting the final note of our big number!
In fact, we were having a lighthearted moment while talking about our need to do more effective fundraising.
The photo-op came during the annual gathering of International Ministries' five global consultants. We got together last week, partly at the IM offices in Valley Forge and partly at the Slade family home, just up the road in Royersford, PA.
Our conversation about fundraising went beyond hamming it up at the denominational offices. We focused partly on our need to continue to invite people to support what God is doing through each one of us. We also spent time sharing how we have been amazed, encouraged and humbled as people have responded to those invitations!
One of the highlights of each gathering is the time we spend sharing stories of how we have seen God at work since the last time we were together. I wish you could be with us around the table at these gatherings! For, as the conversation unfolds, it turns into quite a refresher course in contemporary "missiology"--the study of the theory and practice of mission.
I find myself filled with gratitude to God as I listen to Lauran Bethell share stories from the growing movement of Jesus' followers all over the world who embody God's redeeming, transforming love for people in prostitution.
I find Dan Buttry's excitement contagious as he talks about the courageous work of those who follow the Prince of Peace into some of the most seemingly-intractable conflicts in our world.
I love the "Baptist coffee" Mike Mann brings from the hills of northern Thailand, and thank God for his work in rural development and business as mission.
Between bouts of laughter at his continual stream of puns, word-plays and inexhaustible supply of jokes, I get seriously inspired by Walt White's stories of how the Spirit of God is moving around the world in ways that are as powerful as they are non-traditional.
For my part, I am grateful to God for the chance to join and support the efforts of people throughout our world who are dedicated to preparing leaders for Christ's church.
And it was great to hear Ben Chan, our area director at IM, share his vision and enthusiasm for what God is doing in and through the missionaries and partners he serves in Asia.
Of course, the truly uplifting thing is to realize that our team represents only a small part of what God is doing through IM... which is, itself, only a tiny part of what is happening today in Christ's mission. It is uplifting, and also a good reality check. As we receive invitations to work with partners all over the world, it might be possible for us to slip into a bit of a "messiah complex," and lose sight of our place in the bigger picture. But we aren't messiahs; Jesus is. Our gathering is a good refresher on that central truth, too.
Now, a week later, we have scattered to the four winds, refreshed and renewed for the service opportunities ahead. I am grateful for the chance to learn from and be inspired by these friends. I also draw great encouragement from your support. May the Lord grant you, too, times of refreshing and renewal on the journey!
Blessings,
Stan