Focus

Missionary Messenger has been enriching readers for almost 100 years, and in an effort to continue the relevance of this important publication, we’re making some changes. Later this month, for the September issue of Messenger, we’ll be introducing you to a new version of this publication. Here’s some information about what we’re planning to do.

Approaching the Temple of Luang Pu Suang, the glorified mummified monk, Emm worker Andre pulled the car over to the side of the road. He turned to one of his trainees, Lee, and asked, “Lee, could you read Acts 17:24-31 for us?”

Krystle* took a 5-day trip to The Gambia in May to explore housing options and to see how things have changed in the 13 years since she has lived there. Krystle served as a mission intern in The Gambia with EMM during that time. This recent trip was insightful and helpful to be there in person and begin to understand how life and ministry will look different as a family.

In the 16th century, the Radical Reformers — also known as the Anabaptists — looked to the “roots” of the church as their inspiration. The term “radical” comes from the Latin word “radix” which means “root.” The early Anabaptists wanted to see the kingdom of God restored to a kingdom that was not of this world — but a kingdom that transcended national, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.

Perhaps you’ve heard us talk about the Kairos course before, and maybe you’re wondering, “What is Kairos?” Well, today, we’re going to take an in-depth look at this course. The Kairos course is an exciting nine-lesson interactive study of the purpose and plan of God from Genesis to the end of the age.

When Phil Gottschalk was 17 years old the Lord called him to work with Russian-speaking young people. So, he did a bachelor’s degree in Russian language at Penn State University. When he graduated in 1980, the Iron Curtain was still up. Phil went on to seminary to prepare to be a missionary.

Last summer EMM workers and staff led Chamber Choir members from the Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster on a tour to Central Europe. They traveled in both the Czech Republic and Germany. Beyond providing cross-cultural experiences for youth, EMM hopes that these kinds of trips inspire people to find their calling in missions. Here’s a quick snapshot of one of the more interesting concerts they performed.

John and Debbie Coats are EMM workers who serve in Cambodia. There is a lady who lives on the streets about a mile from their house in Phnom Penh city. Though she never asks, John has often stopped and given her a little money for food. She won’t look at or speak to him. She never smiles. He can’t hand her the money. He has to lay it down on the street, and later when he is gone, she picks it up and goes and buys some food.

It’s a transformational journey that each person who chooses King Jesus as our leader needs to make — a reversal of the mind and a turning of the heart. From thinking about self, to thinking about others. Welcoming rather than turning away the ’least of these,’ putting aside personal agendas and valuing the contributions of all, forgiving others as God, in Christ, forgave us, and becoming leaders who serve and servants who lead. If Jesus Christ is our model, how well are we doing at transforming our spheres of influence?

What is Central Europe? This is an interesting question that will probably bring a different answer depending on who you ask. Is this region defined by a common language, distinctive geographic features, similar political histories, or shared religious influences? The short answer is, “Sort of ... but not necessarily.”