As we go into 2010, there are three major goals that God has laid on our hearts as we live out our vision – one local, one regional, one global.

Goal #1: One person.

Goal #2: Plant a church (see last two weeks’ posts).

Goal #3: Go to Mozambique.

This past week I was recounting for a friend what our global mission efforts have looked like these past few years, and hearing myself talk about it kind of took my breath away. God has blessed us with a disproportionate impact in many of our adventures, and Mozambique is no exception.

By way of a quick recap – early on Life made a decision to be very focused with our resources for global missions, prayerfully choosing one place and committing to putting the bulk of our overseas efforts there for 20 years. That place ended up being Mozambique, one of the poorest, most AIDS-riddled countries in Africa, as well as the one (in sub-Saharan Africa at least) which has the least church presence.

Our efforts there began with an investment in microfinance development, which has allowed an amazing number of Mozambicans to have a way to support their families, with hope and dignity. The second phase of our work there involves a partnership with a Brazilian seminary in providing theological education for Mozambicans who are called by God to serve as church planters. And this past year we added a third area of involvement: supporting an orphanage for women and children at risk. Any of these three initiatives would be marvelous, but God allowing us into all three makes me feel like we have a very well-rounded ministry in this country already – and we are only four years into our twenty year commitment!

Which brings us to this year’s global goal: to send a team to Mozambique. Most of our resources (appropriately) are sent directly to support the work there, but there is a great value in seeking face to face interactions with our brothers and sisters in Africa as well. For those of us at Life, as well as for our partners overseas, there is a strong desire that we serve each other in the context of a true relationship, not just as strangers who write an occasional check. So this summer, Lord willing, we will make our second trip to Mozambique to serve our friends there face to face.

You’ll hear more about what God is doing in Moz from Alex Viana this Sunday, as well as our continuing Lenten teaching on grace.

Lord bless you, and we’ll look forward to being with you this weekend –

Tim
Mt 6:33