Leawood, Kansas, United States - The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Daily Guide grow. pray. study. for Monday, 30 June 2014 "Our mission: to reach people everywhere"

Leawood, Kansas, United States - The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Daily Guide grow. pray. study. for Monday, 30 June 2014 "Our mission: to reach people everywhere"
Daily Scripture: Acts 1:1 The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, 2 until the day in which he was received up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 To these he also showed himself alive after he suffered, by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking about God’s Kingdom. 4 Being assembled together with them, he commanded them, “Don’t depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me. 5 For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6 Therefore when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them, “It isn’t for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”
Matthew 28:18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go,[Matthew 28:19 TR and NU add “therefore”] and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Reflection Questions:
Jesus, raised from the dead, was preparing to leave earth. Before ascending, he spent about forty days (cf. Acts 1:3) preparing his followers to carry on his work. Though his "marching orders" were clear, they must have sounded breathtaking and daunting to the little company of disciples. They're still our orders, and still breathtaking: "make disciples of all nations….to the end of the earth."
Jesus' commission was not primarily about organizational charts or articles of incorporation. Though things like that are often helpful as tools to carry out Jesus' mission, his basic commission ("make disciples") involves a response that can only come from people. How do Jesus' marching orders make it clear that, in the end, our mission as individuals and as a church are all about people?
Surely the creator God could have written the news of Jesus in the clouds, or spoken it from the skies. Instead, God's primary way of carrying out the mission was also about people: "You will be my witnesses." What factors made it more effective for God to use people as witnesses? Whose witness has shaped your life? In what ways have you been able to live out Jesus' commission for you to be one of his witnesses?
Today's Prayer:
Lord Jesus, give me a heart open to your Spirit's power, and a willingness to answer your call, wherever you and your mission may take me. Amen.
Insight from Chris Holliday
Rev. Chris Holliday serves as the associate minister at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection West
As I read and pondered today’s scriptures, I found myself reflecting upon my recent mission trip to Honduras. From June 14 – 21, twelve adults from Resurrection West went to minister alongside our Methodist friends in Ciudad Espana. It was a truly amazing and transformative journey, and we were blessed to have some awesome writers in our group who worked diligently on our blog posts each night. I would like to share one of those posts with you (if you’d like to read more, click here). This post was written by Jill Hartquist, who attends Resurrection West and serves on staff at the Leawood campus. I hope this gives you a glimpse of what it was like for us to live out our call to be Christ’s witnesses in Honduras. Blessings to you–here’s Jill’s post:
The day started off with the usual amazing breakfast prepared by sweet Katia (our chef). The smell of French toast and scrambled eggs with ham filled the air as we all gathered to prepare for our day. We loaded the van with the many bags of computers we brought to equip the school; then we set out on our journey. I’m still in awe of the beauty of Honduras and the countryside. The simple homes set in the hills surrounded by plush greenery never gets old.
Our arrival at the church the first couple of days has been nothing short of exciting, and today was no exception. There were no bands playing, but we heard the familiar “they’re here” shouts from the children and as we walked in the entry of the church, I can’t explain the feeling that came over us as we were greeted by all of the tiny little preschool children. Dressed in their red and black uniforms, they cheered and ran to each of us in a bundle of emotion. Chad was promptly surrounded by several kiddos hoping to be swung around. “Anna” was greeted with children knowing that she was our source of “translation” as they spoke. I was greeted by 3 little girls who could not WAIT to share with me the fact that they knew their ABCs… and proceeded to happily sing their song to me, looking for praise and a response in the only way I knew how… “Muy bien!! Well done!!” These are the moments that we are completely embracing: Happy, smiling children from a different culture who are absolutely DELIGHTED to share their joyful abundance with us. We could not feel more welcome. Praise be to God…#1 for the day.
From there, part of us went into the classrooms to spend some time with the children. We were able to spend time in the 4th, 5th and 6th grade classrooms and thoroughly enjoyed our time working with the kids on their English. Amazing how eager they are to learn the language. We used flashcards and games (think Hokey Pokey, Head/Shoulders/Knees/Toes, Bingo) to teach! I think my Spanish vocabulary may even be increasing as a result! Praise be to God #2!
After lunch, we split again. A small group went outside to help clear the way for a small parking lot to free up the sport court for the kids. They worked hard to clear the heavy rock and move sand. Paul earned the award for the “I forgot to wear sunscreen” trophy and Paula came out with the “Iron Woman” award for her dedication to the construction team! Praise be to God #3!
Inside, we worked on fine-tuning sewing machines and prepared for the upcoming banner ministry. There was in incredible sense of unity in the room as 3 Honduran women joined us (Pastor Daniel’s 2 lovely daughters and Leslie, a sweet lady from the church). We turned on the Christian music and an amazing sense of calm came over the room as we all worked together to accomplish these tasks. These women were as happy to share time with us as we were with them. The Holy Spirit is alive in this church and the connection between us all is beyond heart-warming. Praise be to God #4!
The day closed with a trip back to the Mission House and some down time as a group. I’m so thankful for the time we are having together as a group and the connections we are making with the Honduran people. Praise be to God!
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