November 6, 2007
You have to go to Africa to see the United States
Cedar Park, Philadelphia. Johnson City, Tennessee. Leesburg, Florida. North Brooklin, Maine.
Just a sampling of places that we visited since August. What a treat to tour the country and talk about world mission!
Edison, New Jersey. Huntsville, Alabama. Portsmouth, Ohio. Argyle, New York.
Wherever we go, you are there with us as well. Good-hearted folks we find, everywhere we go. People want to see and hear, and support their church’s work.
It wasn’t easy packing and traveling all the time. We can write the definitive guide on guest beds and another on potluck suppers. Morning comes early when you have to make the airport. Sometimes we were tempted to answer a question before it was asked. Our biggest challenge was technology—mating laptop computer with projector, finding the “play” switch, etc. But definitely the best part was sharing God’s story. Such stories deserve to be told.
Gainesville, Atlanta, and Savannah, Georgia. Southborough, Massachusetts. Ridley Park, Pennsylvania.
We look forward to seeing you in Africa! Along the way we discovered that churches basically come in two kinds—not large and small, or liberal and conservative. Not urban and rural, or Anglo and ethnic. Rather, we saw that some congregations face upward and outward. Others look inward and downward.
What makes the difference? The difference depends on whether that church is involved in world mission.
Some congregations seem to be waiting to die: obsessed with survival, focusing on themselves. Others, though small and not very wealthy, still walk the world stage. You can feel their positive spirit.
Whiteville, North Carolina. Greenville, South Carolina. Elkins, New Hampshire. And more.
We want to thank all churches—whatever size and color—that participated in Mission Challenge ’07. We are proud of the way Presbyterians do mission. We think the more you know, the more you will agree. Thanks to all of you who hosted or helped us. To God be the glory, great things He has done.
Tomorrow evening we fly the big plane. No more ice cream cones. No credit cards. Our calling lies in Africa, but our hearts remain with you. In the long run, we think the American field may be tougher than the other one we serve. Let us know how we can support your local efforts for the Kingdom. Politics, race, and theology divide, but mission unites. Let us do God’s work together.
Apologies to all of you whose homes we didn’t mention. We remember you fondly.
Until He comes,
Ted and Sue Wright
The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 337 |
