Going Out

What an energizing way to start the week.  Sunday services brought us a great treat as guest speaker, Aziwoh “Azima” Ndimbe, shared her testimony with us – a story that comes from half way around the world in Cameroon of Africa. (Listen to her story during our second service here.) Her story was powerful.  Her use of Scripture was impressive.  Her heart for God was obvious.  Her story helped us understand how we impact people’s lives when we go out and share the Good News in various ways.  Sunday, we celebrated our “going out” by packing and sending shoe boxes through Operation Christmas Child.

This week has been all about “going out” for me.  I’ve listened to my oldest daughter share the excitement, and struggles, that went along with flying out of town on her first business trips this week.  I’ve battled the rain storms as I travelled from Valparaiso to Cincinnati, going out to meet with my family for a couple days.  And, according to the weather forecast, I will battle the elements again to go out to Anderson University and watch my middle daughter dance tonight.  Going out is not always easy.  Often times it messes with our comfort, our finances, our sleep schedule, and even with our peace.  Going out, though, is a part of our calling as Christ-followers.  Jesus told his disciples that they would need to go out.

He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. (Luke 10:2-3 NIV)

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)

He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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." (Acts 1:7-8 NIV)

He trained them.  He commissioned them.  He sent them.  Going out without God’s purpose is just travel.  Going out with God’s purpose is mission.  That’s something we always need to remember: we are always called to empower one more to walk together with God.  Thank you, God, for giving us this mission.  Thank you, Azima, for encouraging us to keep going out.  Go team!  Praise God!