Something is happening all across the U.S. right now: Perspectives classes are reaching the end of their 15 week run and participants are either figuring out how to get back to normal life (a few) or how to integrate an epic experience into the rest of their one wild and precious life (most).
I love teaching Lesson 15: Talking about how to find a spouse if you’re going to be a missionary (really), what it takes to collaborate with others to do huge Great Commission tasks and how to take the next steps in the specific roles God has in mind for you.
You’re probably familiar with the World Christian roles the class talks about: Intercessor, Sender, Goer, Welcomer and Mobilizer.
They’re all great roles, essential it seems to the global work of God and super fun to kick around with people.
Due to chronic time management issues with the first three roles, I almost always rush through Welcomer so I can end with my role (and my favorite) Mobilizer. This is regrettable.
To all those living the welcomer life, I apologize.
God in his kindness has seen fit in our day to open the door for many Muslims to come and live in the U.S. This is a gift in many ways. Not the least that it’s way cheaper to have an Afghan family over to your house for dinner (even if you pay more for halal!), than it is to go to Kabul!
While it’s less expensive to welcome refugees, asylum seekers, international students and migrants, it’s still hard work.
And vital.
Welcoming honors the giver of the gift by receiving newcomers with joy and kindness. It honors the biblical value of hospitality that has sometimes faded almost to invisibility in our day and culture. And it honors soon-to-be participants in the joyous kingdom of God, for these are those Jesus spoke of, “. . . many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”
Join me in lifting a glass to our welcomer colleagues. May Muslims from far and wide drink deeply of your kindness and hospitality and may God give you kingdom success beyond your wildest dreams.