“Then, after fasting and praying they laid their hands on
them and sent them off.” Acts 13:3
We’ve probably mentioned several times in the course of this
blog that we are in the midst of the ‘Sending Interpretation Assignment’ part
of our ministry in Guatemala. Just as a reminder, the ‘Sending IA’ for new
mission co-workers is the process of contacting and visiting individuals,
groups, and congregations that potentially share a passion with us for the work
we will be doing. This vital building of connections from within and without our
denomination is key to affirming the partnership between those in the field and
those back at home in the US. Mission co-workers simply cannot perform their
ministries without the prayerful (praying for us), connectional (corresponding
with us), and practical (financial) support of the communities of faith that
send us to the field.
I can think of fewer occasions where affirmation of this
connection is celebrated more than in a service of commissioning. It’s a formal
and public expression of the commitment mission workers and their supporting
communities make to one another and say “we’re in this together!” Since
beginning this new journey, we’ve had the opportunity to be a part of several
commissioning services. Each one has been special and meaningful in its own
way. First, our home congregation, Knox Presbyterian Church, sent us off to
orientation with prayers and affirmations of our new work. At orientation, we
participated in the New Wilmington Mission Conference. There we gathered with
new and long-time mission workers as the entire assembly affirmed their
connection and commitment to us. At the ‘Big Tent’ gathering in Louisville, KY,
we joined other new and reassigned mission co-workers before a large supportive
crowd of Presbyterian mission supporters as our moderator and the executive
director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency reaffirmed our vows of commitment
to one another and the work we are being called into. Finally, at a meeting of
our home presbytery (Presbytery of the Inland Northwest), on the university
campus where we first met (Whitworth University) we stood before our own
presbytery, surrounded by so many who have nurtured us on this journey and
declared once more that we are united and connected by the work and calling to
serve one another (see photo).
Blessings!
Richard and Debbie
Found you! :)
ReplyDeleteConsider yourselves followed... and much loved.