I teach Christian Missions in the Philippines. I am a “Both/And” sort of person, meaning that I am not quick to say that one sort of mission work is good or right while another is bad or wrong. Missions is not (and never was) only about “pioneering” or about planting churches. Missions is not (and never was) only about evangelism. Missions is not (and never was) only about what flows through and out of the church. God’s mission does not get contained in little labels, and so ours doesn’t either.

However, I often do get asked what MY opinion is on a lot of topics. I struggle with that… not because I have no opinion, but because it is my job to inspire and inform. It is NOT to indoctrinate. Still, that doesn’t necessarily give a satisfying answer. So, I guess maybe a 2024 MIssionary Blessing will give a bit of guidance:

May your God-size dreams be small.

May you never experience prosperity, and find God’s austerity enough.

May your work soon become unnecessary and your presence, a joyous nuisance.

May your obscurity cause others to shine.

May you plant spiritual orchards, not annuals, in your missional garden.

May you love people and not just their souls.

May you learn some things the hard way, but most through the hard way of others.

May you live by balance and faith in 2024.