July 15, 2002

Dear Friends,

The pastor called the children forward. They gathered around him on the steps of the chancel and he said, "Good morning everyone. We have a guest speaker with us today, a missionary. Who can tell me what a missionary is?"

"As a denomination, we have done missions well, historically and currently, and it is an aspect of our life together of which we can be justly proud."
Silence.

"What does a missionary do?"

Silence.

The pastor laughed and said, "Well, it looks like we need to start at the beginning."

We have spoken in more than 50 Presbyterian churches throughout the country this year. In some we needed to "start at the beginning." Others were already vitally interested and involved in the mission of the church. All were thrilled to learn of the effective work of the PC(USA) in international missions. As a denomination, we have done missions well, historically and currently, and it is an aspect of our life together of which we can be justly proud.

Presbyterians are working around the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed. We are involved in church growth and evangelism, education, health (including tackling the AIDS epidemic and orphan care), administration, engineering, building, preaching, and teaching. And our ministries are effective because we work with and through the local church. This is partnership.

What is a missionary? The dictionary says the word is made up of two parts which in Latin refer to a task assigned and the act of sending. So a missionary is one who is sent or commissioned to accomplish the task of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul, the greatest one of all, would probably have defined it as "being sent out for Christ" wherever you are. We all have a job to do, for there are still so many in our neighborhoods and in our world who do not know that Christ loves them and died for them. And yet, by definition, a missionary crosses (is sent across) boundaries of normal human relationships and one’s "home" culture and language. We were fascinated to learn during the World Missions Conference at North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, that even if we are faithful to share the gospel with our family and friends and they with theirs in ever increasing concentric circles, the world will still not be reached. It requires some to be sent "across" into other circles of influence. That is what a missionary is called to do. And they need to be sent and equipped by the church to fulfill their call.

The old mission hymn, "O Zion Haste", has a great message for all of us in this regard:

O Zion, haste, thy mission high fulfilling,
To tell to all the world that God is Light,
that He who made all nations is not willing
one soul should perish, lost in shades of night.

Publish glad tidings, tidings of peace,
tidings of Jesus, redemption and release.

Proclaim to every people, tongue and nation
that God, in whom they live and move is Love
Tell how He stooped to save His lost creation,
and died on earth that man might live above.

Give of thy sons to bear the message glorious;
Give of thy wealth to speed them on their way;
Pour out thy soul for them in prayer victorious;
And all thou spendest Jesus will repay.

We leave the U.S. on July 16 to return to Malawi for another four-year term. Returning to a nation devastated by AIDS, famine and political uncertainty, we rejoice that we have "glad tidings" to share a message of love and hope in Jesus. And we depend on Him to provide the grace and stamina we will need to fulfill His call to serve the people there. Thank you for your part in sending us on our way. And please don’t forget to pray. We are partners together in the Gospel.

It has been an amazingly busy but enriching year. What a joy and privilege it has been to meet and share with so many of you. Our mailing address is correct as above. Please stay in touch.

With love,

Frank and Nancy Dimmock and family

The 2002 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 39