It is week 5 in our Support Raising Campaign. It has been a process of learning much about God and His people. Beginning this campaign my mind has always been focused on the Middle East as my destination of our work. All my efforts and hopes were focused on the physical mission work (location, moving away, talking to other people, meeting refugees, experiencing new foods, speaking new languages, etc.) in these next 2 years, but in my prayer and reflection I have deepened my perspective. My destination is heaven... it always is heaven... God's mission is about bringing people to Himself now and for eternity. Yes, all of the "stuff" that will come in these next two years is awesome, but it is not enough in and of itself. I have been more focused on the physical experience of it all, but God is up to much more than the physical, praise God!
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Paul talks about the new self in Colossians 3. I receive this newness for my selfish and narrow view of these next steps to the mission field. In all things I want my mind on things above and interpret my life experinces with that in mind.