I was with a friend of mine last week as I was taking him out to see my daughters artwork at the university where she will soon be a brand new graduate... way to go JL! As my friend and I were on the way out there, he looked over at me and announced he thought he would live to be a hundred years old. Well, I got a startling call yesterday at about 7 a.m. , my friend died yesterday at 59. What a way to start out a new blog huh? Hold on, it gets more encouraging. My friend was currently taking a course on missions and our place as believers in God's plan... the Perspectives Course on the World Christian Movement. I challenged him 10 weeks ago to get busy doing the "next thing", since I was coordinating the course, I had the opportunity already in mind. The point is, there is always a next step we can take. There are many other steps out there to take in missions, no matter who we are or where we are in life. We can't afford to stay static. For the athlete, regardless of how much training has been done, progress begins to be lost within 48-72 hours of inactivity. Here are a few of many next steps to consider.
- Take a course on missions
- Read some books on the topic
- Start corresponding with a missionary
- Host missionaries when they come to visit
- Take a short-term trip (in country or out of country)
- Get involved in local missions right around you
- Be an advocate for missions in your church body
- Serve on a missions team in your church body
- Volunteer at missions events near you
- Get to know others in different ethnic groups in your community
- Host a backyard summer Bible Club
The principle of growing and taking the next step is highlighted in 2 Peter 1:5-8 as believers are encouraged to add their faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance.... for if we possess these qualities in increasing measure they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive. What is your next thing? Contact me, I am more than glad to make suggestions. Let's grow together. Based on all I can see, now is a good time to get growing.
