| One group had us get in a circle
and take off a shoe, their idea for an exercise about respect and
humility. Another group simulated their discussion about what skit
to present with mostly arrogant comments about soup kitchen experiences.
One group had a reporter on site investigating the motives of mission
workers on a building project, most of which were self-serving.
Most groups gave negative examples and then corrected them with
strong positive examples of respect, compassion, and humility. A
new day in mission is dawning!
At the end of their orientation, the 45 young adults boarded
planes to Guatemala, Argentina, Ghana, Kenya, Thailand, the Philippines,
Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom. They will stay a year
and be involved in community development projects, children’s
programs, and other opportunities which partner churches and organizations
provide. I believe that the PC(USA)’s Young Adult Volunteer
program is truly a vital sign of God’s mission in the world.
"Coming, Going and Sending"
Every time I am in an airplane, the moment it touches down on
an airport runway, I ask myself two questions: Where am I? Do
I live here? After giving three lectures to the young adults,
I headed back to Brazil. When the plane touched Brazilian soil
in São Paulo the next morning, I knew I was home.
My present assignment as theological education consultant in
South America and consultant in missiology for the Worldwide Ministries
Division requires a constant cycle of "passing over"
and "coming back." This challenges me to truly function
in, be in dialogue and solidarity with, and be a part of the Americas
from south to north. I want to understand mission partnerships
from both sides, to think and pray in three languages. Bordering
schizophrenia? No, a global Christian.
During July, I led Bible studies from John for PC(USA) missionaries
from around the world who had gathered in Louisville for the annual
missionary sharing conference. There were about 50 colleagues
there, serving in Croatia, Sudan, China, Egypt, Turkey, and Brazil
. Again, I witnessed a vital sign of God’s mission in the
world.
In the opening sermon of the sharing conference, I asked: "When
are you going to settle down?" Anthony Gittins begins his
book Ministry at the Margins with this question. We could all
resonate with it. Gittins goes on to say that missionaries are
not "quite normal by conventional judgments [since] their
primary concern is not to settle down.".
Maybe that’s why during 12 of the past 15 months I have
"camped out" in apartments in Austin, Campinas, and
Louisville. During the three months during which I was "settled,"
my co-worker, Dirce Naves, and I painted, furnished, and unpacked
my books in our more "permanent" apartment in Campinas
with a two-week interlude in Chile. How good it is to be back
in that apartment now!
Perhaps my most permanent dwelling this term has been the fourth
Gospel. The pervasive comings, goings, following, and sendings
in John fascinated my colleagues and me as we reflected during
sharing conference on our self-understanding as partners in God’s
mission.
Urgent prayer request
The book I am writing on mission in partnership has three parts:
Biblical foundations in John, missional attitudes, and missional
practices. In order to publish it, Geneva Press needs some "partners"
in publishing. One possibility is the Association of Presbyterian
Mission Pastors. Please pray with me that partners will step forth
and a contract will be signed by the end of September. If you
would like to partner with us, contact Peter Barnes-Davies, missionary-in-residence
for Partnership Action Implementation ( (888) 728-7228 x5835).
Thanks for your support
To those of you who direct some of your Basic Mission Support
through Directed Mission Support to me (DMS #504854) or contribute
to my work by Extra Commitment Opportunities (ECO #051807: Consultant
for Latin American Seminaries), I extend my sincere thanksgiving.
May the One who came into the world so that all may have fullness
of life and sends us into the world to testify to that life, empower
you and your congregation to follow God in mission.
Sherron George
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