April 2015

“This changes how we talk about everything!” This comment, from one of our “story gatherers” at a recent Asia Pacific communication workshop, was a highlight for me. I love seeing colleagues’ thinking and practices change when the significance of missio Dei starts to sink in. Missio Dei is Latin for “Mission of God.” And while those of us who speak English usually stick with English for clarity, there is something about hearing it in Latin that reminds us that God’s mission is so much bigger and has been going on for so much longer than we can fathom.

Asia – Pacific Communication Meeting

There are a number of good definitions of missio Dei, each with its own nuances. One of my favorites is from South African missiologist, David Bosch “[Missio Dei is] God’s self-revelation as the One who loves the world, God’s involvement in and with the world, the nature and activity of God, which embraces both the church and the world, and in which the church is privileged to participate.” (1991, 10).

So…if God’s mission embraces the church, what does that look like? Bible scholar and theologian Christopher Wright explains it this way, “fundamentally, our mission (if it is biblically informed and validated) means our committed participation as God’s people, at God’s invitation and command, in God’s own mission within the history of Gods world for the redemption of God’s creation.” (2006, 23).

The centrality of mission is affirmed by Samuel Escobar, who says it “gives a focus and direction to all the other functions [of the church]” and who then concludes that “the church exists for mission and that a church that is only inward looking is not truly the church” (2003, 13).

So how does this change “how we talk about everything” in the context of Wycliffe? Well, for starters, it’s not about Wycliffe! It’s about the Triune God.  It’s not so much about what we do but about who He is. It’s about people more than places. And it’s about the worldwide community of believers called and invited by God to participate with Him in His mission. Mission is not the domain of missions organizations. Nor is it one among many programs of the church. It is not about task or completion. It is about relationship and worship. It’s about His plans, not ours.

A number of the meetings I attend around the world are Wycliffe Global Alliance missiological consultations. People sometimes wonder just what that means …or assume, “sure, you serve with a missions organization so you have missiological meetings.” But missiology isn’t just for missions personnel, nor is it just another Bible college or seminary class!  It is theology pertaining to mission. That means it has to do with studying God and His mission. And that means spending time in His Word and in prayer, seeking wisdom, discernment and direction. How else can any of us participate with Him in His mission?

His mission is about telling and living the Good News. And as we are in the Easter season, it is a wonderful time to reflect on who God is, on what He has done and is doing to redeem and restore His creation. God the Father sent the Son, the Good News in human form. The Son paid the price, was the sacrifice. And now the Holy Spirit empowers the Church, God’s people to continue sharing that Good News so He will be glorified. He is Risen! That truly changes everything!

Family Update

Winslow Joy

We appreciate your ongoing prayers and financial support for the ministry we are privileged to be a part of and we also appreciate your prayers for our family, as well! Josh and Heather, Wynnie and Aurélie are doing well in Colorado. Kate and Jordan and Winslow are doing well in Philadelphia. Jordan is loving seminary and they are also being blessed in seeing how God provides when the budget is tight! Do pray Kate can get enough writing, editing and proof reading work that she will be able to work from home in the future. At this time she is still nannying, plus doing whatever editorial work comes her way. Also pray that they can find a two bedroom apartment if possible.

Aurélie

Please keep Tom’s stepmom Vivian in your prayers. Her health is declining due to an inoperable growth internally and we are not sure how long it will be before the Lord takes her home. She is in good spirits and not in a great deal of pain, but is ready to go when God calls her. We are all grateful for the good friends there at the apartments where she lives. They check on her regularly and keep her encouraged. Pray too for my parents, Marlene and Jerry, in Tennessee. Last month was a rough one for them with Mother in the hospital for an extended period with a bacterial infection and Daddy dealing with the ferocious winter storms, power outages, etc. in their community.

Éowyn (Wynnie)

Here at home Tom is hard at work on the latest version of wycliffe.net. Keep an eye on the site and you’ll soon see a fresh new look and lots of new features! I continue to work with our communication teams worldwide and with our Wycliffe Global Alliance leadership team. The next time we write, I’ll give you an update on some exciting things going on in the Alliance as we seek to better shape ourselves to participate in God’s mission. I recently returned from Turkey where we held our first ever leadership conference for women leaders in Wycliffe. Other trips in the next few months will take me back to Turkey, the UK (where Tom will join me for meetings) and Germany.

Thank you again for your faithful prayers and encouragement. Do let us know how we can be praying for you!

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Bosch, D., 1991. Transforming Mission. New York: Orbis.
Escobar, S., 2003. The New Global Mission: The Gospel from Everywhere to Everyone. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press.
Wright, C., 2006. The Mission of God. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press Academic.
Read more at--  http://www.wycliffe.net/resources/missiology/globalperspectives/tabid/97/Default.aspx