Pastor’s eNote: Weekly Update

By the time you read this e-note our mission team will have returned from Colombia. Over these next few weeks, we will certainly hear stories of how God was at work in their lives and in the lives of those they served in the Name of Jesus. While many of us were not with them in Colombia, we were partners with them financially and in prayer.

Short-term missions in a local church offer an opportunity to experience something of the love of God that few other activities can provide. Of course, the argument can always be made to engage in mission closer to home or even to focus on the work of our own church. A hopeful solution to this issue is to learn how to hold the tension between doing ministry locally and globally. Both are needed.

First, mission allows us to see the rich diversity of God’s creation. This is true if we are in mission down the street or in Colombia. The Lord is at work in culture, places, people, and moments that we can likely never imagine. By engaging with communities outside our own, we deepen our appreciation of how BIG our God is.

Second, mission draws us outside our own needs. FFMC has had so much transition over the last 15 years, it is easy to see why the needs of our own community should be paramount. The church is a missional community. We exist for no other purpose than to be a living proclamation of God’s love in Jesus Christ. We need to be a healthy church. Healthy churches know how to stay focused on its mission beyond itself.

Finally, mission helps us see the world the way God does. Any vision we have for salvation and healing in Jesus’ Name begins with seeing the world the way He does. We do not do mission for the purpose of “helping” others. I am sure our Colombia mission team has been helped by those in Colombia. What a gift to see others the way God does AND to have ourselves seen as God sees us.

Thank you for the prayers and support of our church’s mission with Colombia. There will be many more opportunities to be in mission here locally and abroad. Thanks be to God for the privilege of service in the Name of Jesus.

Grace to You All,

Pastor Craig Brown

P.S. We will hear great stories from our Colombia mission team on Sunday, September 15 at our Celebration Sunday worship service!

August 13, 2024