On the road - on a mission . . .

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This week, we're looking ahead to the scripture from Luke 10:1-11, 16-20.  In this text, Jesus appoints and sends 70 people out in mission. 

This week isn't so much about where we recorded the conversation, but I (Pastor Brett) have been having some great conversations with missionaries in our midst.  So as Pastor Bob is on vacation, I invited Fred Gibson, member of Muhlenberg and retired pastor (though in the podcast you'll hear his thoughts on whether one can retire from being a missionary).  Fred and Mary Ella and their children spent many years in Singapore, where Fred served a congregation there as pastor until transitioning into focusing on serving the leper community there in Singapore. 

In our conversation, Fred mentions that his best friend and partner in ministry there in Singapore was a Jesuit priest.  In the scripture we are looking at, Jesus sends the missionaries out in pairs.  It seems to say something about the importance of having a partner, not being alone, building a community.  As we discuss in the podcast, whether you have the title "missionary" or not, all Christians are called.  Who have you found to be a (possibly unexpected) partner in what God calls you to?

In this week's scripture, Jesus sends people out into unknown towns and homes, it's not to assert or colonize them.  He gives them a way of living that is humble and hospitable as they are guests in someones home.  Jesus specifically tells them that when they are welcomed in a home, they are to "eat whatever is set before you."  Can you imagine this?  Have you ever been a dinner guest and really struggled at eating what is in front of you?  Are you a gracious guest?  How does our faith call us to be guests - and to be hospitable to others?

Also this week I got the chance to catch Robin Strickler, ELCA missionary and member of the Muhlenberg community, whose work has called her to the Rwamagana Lutheran School in eastern Rwanda.  You can check out the school here or like them on Facebook for regular updates!  We had a great conversation and she shared her insights on being guest and host, and how we are called to be hospitable as Christians.  Looking forward to sharing a bit of that in the sermon on Sunday!