The Bible is an amazing book. It gives hope. John 3:16 tells so beautifully of God’s love, as does Romans 8. In John 14 and Revelation 21, we are reminded of our heavenly home. There are also certain biblical passages that seem to give instructions for ministry. Matthew 25 talks about feeding the hungry and visiting the lonely. And I have long considered Acts 1 as a map for mission. (Especially Acts 1:6-8)

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:6-8

As the early disciples were all huddled in a single location in Jerusalem, Jesus promised them the power of the Holy Spirit so that they could be his productive followers here on earth, and then he gave them the parameters for their work. Where was their mission field? Jerusalem (right in the neighborhood), Judea (the surrounding region), and to the ends of the earth.

Where is the mission field for modern day followers of Jesus who happen to call First Pres their spiritual home? Winter Haven (right in the neighborhood), Polk County or the Presbytery of Tampa Bay (the surrounding region), and to the ends of the earth.

For me, this might mean all the local mission we conduct – be it Saturday Soup Kitchen, the Bag Lunch Ministry, Saturday Nite Live, or any of the many organized or one to one ways right here that I can share God’s love. I get excited to serve Christ in our Presbytery, especially through the Beth-El mission with farm workers. And, the ends of the earth for me might mean ministry with our Christian brothers or sisters in Honduras, or with Fred Foy and Cecily Strang in Africa.

Where are you being led in mission and ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer

Speak to me, God of hope, love, and mission. Lead me to service where I am, and where You would have me go, though Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Amen.