Right Here and to the Ends of the Earth

This past summer I have been incredibly blessed to work in World Renew’s Grand Rapids office and write for the Network blog. I am so grateful for each of you and your presence on the Network! I have loved writing for the Global Missions page, but I have also been deeply blessed by the articles in every other section. I encourage you to venture to the other pages if you haven’t already, as this is truly a valuable resource.

Over the past few months I have been honored to work alongside faith-filled, wise, and compassionate people who are determined to fulfill God’s calling to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly” with our Lord. I have had the privilege of reading some CRWRC newsletters from field staff in the 80’s and 90’s and am in awe of the faithfulness that has been present in World Renew for decades. I have gotten to connect with members of the CRC near and far through the When Helping Hurts study, stories from the field, and events with area churches. I have learned much about people, community development, disaster response, social justice, and how we can be Christ’s hands and feet in his world.

Although I will still be involved with World Renew and continuing to blog for the Network, my time in the office is coming to a close. In a week I will head east and say goodbye to the office for now to resume my studies at Grove City College.

I have been challenged and inspired this summer in countless ways. Often when I go back to school I feel a period of discouragement--I feel like I have too many things to do and not enough time. How can I do my part to fulfill God’s calling to be merciful and pursue justice when sometimes I can hardly even stay afloat with my obligations as a student?

When we talk about Global Missions, obviously we are focusing on the work of the CRC around the world. However, many elements of global missions take place right here, in North America, in homes, in churches. The work of field staff overseas is dependent on our financial support, encouragement, and prayer. We don’t have to be in Laos or the Dominican Republic or Uganda to be an important part of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. God does not call everyone to move to the other side of the world, but he is speaking to all of us in the Great Commission.

When I go back to school every August I have to readjust how I play a role in furthering God’s kingdom. Don’t ever feel discouraged and believe the lie that you cannot be a part of global missions, God has created each of us to be a unique piece of the puzzle and every role is significant.