Gulf Central District
United Methodist Women
Faith in Action
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Gulf Central District Faith in Action
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| Mission Education & Interpretation (Betty Ens, Coordinator)WHAT IS MISSION TODAY?
In Matthew Chapter 13, Jesus is telling the crowd several parables, one of which is the Parable of the Weeds. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.” Later the disciples asked him to clarify this parable. “He answered – The one who sowed the good seed is the son of man – the field is the world – and the good seed stands for the sons/daughters of the kingdom.” (Italics mine)
The 19th century missionary movement – one of the most creative in the entire history of the church was characterized by four images, according to Tracey K. Jones, Jr. in his book “Our Mission Today” written in 1963.
Only a blind man could miss the fact that we live in a world entirely different from that of David Livingstone and Francis Asbury. These images of two centuries ago have lost their capacity to define our situation now – the world has changed – even more so than forty years ago when Dr. Jones wrote those words. However the fundamental nature of the mission as God’s offer of reconciliation to man through Jesus Christ does not change – but our ways of expressing it in word, deed, and organization do change.
Where is the mission field today and who are the missionaries? The bible text quoted above states that the field is the world. Dr. Gloria Dharmaraj in her book entitled “Concepts of Mission” says that mission is in every place – even in our minds. There is no one home base – there are multiple bases, here and abroad where missionaries are sent and where they are received. She goes on to define the difference between Mission and Missions. “Mission is the goal and the purpose of God for us. Missions are the human objectives by which we respond to God’s love for us. God’s mission outlives individual and denominational missions.”
We know that in the early years women were not allowed to preach, but they could share the biblical story through education, medical services, work with widows and orphans, and other social service community based ministries. As United Methodist Women our goals today are still the same. Each of us can be in mission in our place at this time. The call to be a missionary is not confined to becoming professional missionaries. Everyone participates in God’s mission, and mission is done everywhere there are Christians. Dr. Jones says “we are called to be the conscience in the community. The Christian should not be afraid to intervene in the affairs of the world. Christian mission must amplify the human cries in unjust situations, raise awareness of the issues, mobilize collective efforts, and address the root causes so all of God’s children may live in peace, reconciliation, and harmony with God and one another.”
“A vision without a task is but a dream, a task without a vision is drudgery, a vision with a task is the hope of the world.” This is a church inscription in Sussex England written in 1730. How true it is for us today. Those units that were to receive Mission Today certificates at the District Annual Meeting found they were missing from their President’s Packet. Also, I regret to say, the Mission Study Certificates were not included either. For those units who had a representative at the District Annual Meeting and picked up their packet, your certificates will be mailed. All others will be available at the Officer Training Event on January 26 at St. Paul’s UMC.
Mission Today Each year Mission Today units are recognized by the Florida Conference and Gulf Central District at the annual meetings. Following the criteria to become a Mission Today unit helps us in fulfilling the purpose of United Methodist Women.
Betty Ens, Mission Coordinator for Education and Interpretation
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