There is a lot of talk about the envisioning process these days. Sometimes my visions seems to turn into more of a confusing dream then a clear vision sent by God. How do I make sure my vision is from God and how do I share that vision and generate the excitement and energy necessary to make that vision become reality. We have been sent here with the mandate of creating a new way of doing church planting, of creating a shared vision with the Convention leaders and somehow planting the seeds that grow into a creative tension that make people yearn for and work for change.

The Churches in Mexicali are planning an evangelism campaign and are excited about it. The goal of this campaign as in many others is to reach out to the community with the message of Jesus Christ and that many come to salvation. There is little planning or envisioning or dreaming as to how each church can make a difference in their community and be an agent of transformation. Real life gets in the way. Illness, weekly ministry, family, economics, just getting through another week gets in the way of searching for enlightment from the Holy Spirit, search for direction and renewal.

The same thing happens to missionaries, we have ideas, dreams, visions maybe even inspired by God about how to be change agents in a very uncertain time. We are dependent upon God's Spirit for the strength and energy needed to bring about these changes. Not just small changes but inner deep changes that go inward to how we see the world and how it works. Romans 12.1-2 speaks about this struggle, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will".

I dream about new churches that exist to be light in their communities, which go out to those who need the good news and are able to make room for them in their houses of worship. Churches that make room for imperfect, broken people who are then made whole to reach out to others. I dream about the sharing of resources, the teaming up of pastors and leaders to support each other in the process of Church Planting. I envision women and men working together as gifted by God to bring the Good News to all who will hear. Yet these dreams are many times muddled by the business of everyday life, the uncertain times in which we live and my own brokenness before God. This is when I need God even more and I depend more fully upon his grace.

I ask for your prayers as we try to make clear the vision in our own minds. I ask for prayers for the Baja Convention as they deal with budget cuts and becoming self-supporting. I ask for prayer for the new seminary students as they deal with everyday life and trying to be faithful to their call to ministry. I ask for our pastors and for our churches. I also pray for each and every one of you at this moment as you strive to be faithful to God in your own circumstances. May the Vision be clear!