Brothers and Sisters,

From July 13-17, a team of 15 youth, kids, and adults from Emmanuel UMC will be on mission in Sault Ste. Marie!  Those serving on this mission trip include: Mark Crane, Bev Crane, Maria Crane, Ben Crane, Sheila Kato, Brandon Kato, Benji Kato, Todd Kato, Callie Keller, Kylie Deer, and the Dunlaps.  Please keep us in your prayers: pray for safety, for the building of relationships (with God, with one another, and with the communities we serve), and for inspiration to bring the mission on home to Blissfield.

In Matthew 28, Jesus famously gives the Great Commission, sending his disciples out to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  Luke clarifies this in Acts 1:8, writing that Jesus’ followers would be his witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

There’s something important for us to catch here: mission begins at home.  Short-term mission trips, whether domestic or international, can be transforming experiences.  They can turn us on to the fact that life is not about us, and instilling the joy of service in young and old alike.  But truly transformative relationships take time to build, and that begins at home.

Friends, remember that you are also missionaries.  You don’t have to get on a plane or drive for hours in a van full of youth; you are the hands and feet of Jesus to those you encounter.  At Borchardt Brothers, at work, and in worship – as you mow your lawn and raise your family, you are called to make disciples.

How are we doing, church?  How are you doing, friend?

You’re not alone.  We are in this together as a church family, and the Spirit of the Lord empowers us to fulfill the mission we’ve been given.  Will you walk in the Spirit this month?

Your fellow missionary,

Pastor Zack