Inspiring Mission

There are two expressions I say and hear often: “Mission is from everywhere to everywhere” and “God is on a mission and the Church is his missionary.” These truths were on display in big ways at two recent events I was privileged to attend.

In May, I was in Curitiba, Brazil, where MB church leaders from around the world gathered as the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB). We sang, prayed, ate, worshiped, celebrated, planned, and fellowshipped together (and shivered as it was cold). God was in our midst, and we were blessed to be together. Multiply was present with multiple staff members, missionaries, and our regional leaders in attendance, accompanying national leaders from our various global regions, translating, and teaching some of the workshops. It was a precious time and a powerful demonstration of the two expressions above.

In July, I was in Kansas City at the USMB Convention. Again, there was a strong Multiply presence with staff, missionaries, regional mobilizers, and regional leaders present. One of the blessings God has given to the USMB churches in recent years is the addition of Congolese and Ethiopian churches. These churches bring with them a vitality of life, worship, and evangelism that is inspiring and contagious, and their presence at the convention was appreciated and enjoyed.

A personal highlight from the USMB Convention was driving eight hours to Indianapolis on Saturday to worship with two of those churches: an Ethiopian church in the morning and a Congolese church in the afternoon. Stephen Humber (Regional Mobilizer) joined me and my wife, Chris, on this adventure. We were so blessed and encouraged. 

The Ethiopian church is called Grace International Church and is led by Samuel Hailemariam. What impressed me the most is how this small congregation has positioned itself to be a resource center and safe place for the community God has placed them in. They truly desire to serve the people near them in practical and Spirit-led ways and God is blessing them.

The Congolese church meets in another church’s building and is led by Emmannuel Musinga. Here are some valuable observations from that experience: 1) You don’t have to be on the worship team to join in leading the worship; 2) Just because the song slows down, that doesn’t mean it’s over, be ready for more; 3) Prepare to lose a few pounds from the aerobic worship workout; 4) Don’t worry, you’ll gain it back if you stay to eat with them; 5) A whistle can be used as a worship instrument! And 6) It’s best not to sit too close to the sound equipment.

Seriously, we all agreed it was worth the sixteen-hour round-trip drive from Kansas City just to be together with these brothers and sisters and be impacted by their passion and joy. The global Church has so much to offer to us if we are ready to receive it. God is truly on a mission, and we are invited and empowered to join with him and with one another (the Church) to bring life and hope through the Gospel to the world. Will you join too?

PRAY:

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for your global family. Help us to appreciate one another, even with all of our differences and shortcomings, to love one another with genuine care and affection, and to work together effectively for your glory. Give us more and more opportunity to be together, to worship together, and to partner in the work of your kingdom. Amen.