Take the roads less travelled!

We have met for 6 out of 8 weeks now on our course on mission. We are talking about having bifocal vision: mission before me and mission around the globe. Great participation and engagement!

Acts 1:8 has been a surprisingly important verse for us!

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

We are empowered by the Spirit of God. A big part of mission is determining what God is up to in a particular situation and collaborating with what He has already initiated. Walking with the Spirit allows us to discern this and focus on the right thing.

As we do this we can minister effectively into our Jerusalem: our natural place of living, working and re-creating. Also included are our extended families, workplaces, places of play and our neighbourhoods.

Then we can move towards our Judea! Judeans could relate well to Jerusalemites and vice versa! They were similar in how they lived life, the foods they ate, the religious ceremonies they participated in and how they raised their kids. Missional, yes.

Once we have entered into missional connections with our Judean sisters and brothers, we are called to connect with our Samaritans. They live apart from you. Their values are different. They are looked down on by many of your friends. It's tough to understand the priorities they live by and what they give their time, money and attention to. They smell different, their religious customs are distinct and they are tough to stomach. Even their food is different! They even throw pork on their BBQs, if you can imagine!

Well-connected with Samaritans? Then go for the globe! You have travelled the essential roads leading you to effective cross-cultural mission! And I want to talk with you!