Partnering in Missions – Why Should We Do It?

Since I returned from the Philippines, I have joined a Bible study the Navigators run for 20-somethings in the Pikes Peak area. The “fall semester” Bible study is an inductive study on Philippians. So far, I have really enjoyed it, I like exploring the intellectual side the study brings out, as well as spiritually applying it to my life. Reading commentaries and exploring Greek vocabulary has been enlightening and intriguing. In each section of the study I have found something I pull out and try to understand on a deeper level.

This week we looked at Philippians 2:19-30. Initially, I didn’t really understand what I was supposed to “get” out of this passage. Honestly, I gave up on the steps this week because I decided to focus on one aspect of the passage – sending a messenger.

What I took from the passage comes from that fact that I grew up in missions and still work in that world – if missions can be found in DNA, it’s in mine. Reading Paul’s words struck me with the notion of being sent for a purpose but also supporting those who are sent. In the passage, Paul tells the church at Philippi that he wants to send Timothy to them soon in order for Timothy to represent Paul’s love to them and also for Timothy to return and bring news of the church back to Paul. He also mentions that he is sending his brother in Christ, Epaphroditus, who the church sent to aid Paul, back to them.

Most commentators on this passage reflect on the idea that both Timothy and Epaphroditus are examples of men who follow the interests of Jesus Christ above their own. This is true and an incredibly important piece of this passage. Indeed, it might be the reason why it is included in the letter, but, yet, it is not the reason I am writing.

Reading the passage, I am taken aback by the idea that some of us are “sent,” while others are called to support those sent. Yes, we are all called to be witnesses for the gospels in every facet of life, whether it’s to a neighbor or unreached people group in Central Africa. That’s not what I’m talking about; we should always proclaim salvation gifted to us by Christ’s death on the cross. What I mean is that just as Timothy and Epaphroditus were messengers for Paul and the church at Philippi, some Christians are called to leave their homes for Christ and face dangers and hardships of moving to a different country or place. But here’s the thing, that doesn’t mean the rest of us are off the hook. You might not be called to be a “missionary,” but there is a service that you do need to provide – support. The church at Philippi is an example of this. Obviously, every believer in the church couldn’t journey to help Paul in his need. That would be impractical and the church would cease to function. So, they sent Epaphroditus. Verse 30 says, “… for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.” (ESV) This sounds negative, “lacking” never paints a good image. Yet, Paul is not criticizing, he is merely stating the fact that the church, as a whole, could not offer the service that Epaphroditus was able to accomplish. Not for lack of desire, but he was the messenger – the one sent.  In sending Epaphroditus, the church at Philippi supported him in his mission. In what ways – prayerfully, financially, I don’t know – but, nevertheless, they supported him. What Paul is saying to the church here is continue supporting him for he risked his life.

You might think: what does this have to do with me? We are not all called to “go,” so what we can do is help to facilitate ministry throughout the world? We can partner in missions through prayer, financial support or volunteering time. The reason for this entire, rambling blog is that we need to be senders. We might never leave our hometowns or the U.S. We might share the gospel with every person we meet. But we can’t say that’s enough. Being witnesses is important and should never be placed aside, but we are also called to be supporters of those that God does call to go. Let me ask this: how many missionaries do you pray for? How many do you support financially? How many blogs, prayer letters, or Facebook-posts do you read on a daily basis? Yes, be a “missionary” in your community. Do what God has called you to do. Be a light in a depraved and corrupt world. But also remember to pray for, support and think about those who were “sent,” like Epaphroditus was sent on behalf of the church at Philippi. 

Random Musings from My Trip to Starbucks

My goal for the end of the year is to be a more consistent blogger. In the past, I wouldn't have considered my latest trip to Starbucks blog-worthy, but in the spirit of getting into the writing habit - here it is ...

The goal: A late morning led to no packed lunch, therefore I was on my way out to snag some tasty Chipotle (this didn't happen, continue reading to find out why)

The problem: After my car refused to start for a good minute or so I was reminded that, indeed, I was nearly out of gas. The good ole jux-box (that's what I just christened my car, license plate ending in JUX) finally started and gas became my priority.

The solution: A trip to the gas station, then a subsequent stop at Starbucks for coffee as lunch.

The reason for this odd blog: Missing the Philippines - at the gas station I had to pump my own gas, the inhumanity in 30-degree weather. I no longer can sit in the comfort of my car while someone else pumps my gas for a 20-peso tip. This wishing for the Philippines continued at Starbucks, where I missed the baristas welcoming me by name and seemingly happy that I was patronizing their establishment. Instead, I got cold coffee that was only 2/3 full. I was driving in a car, so maybe they were being considerate. The second reason for this blog is realizing the benefits of the U.S. I drove to the gas station and Starbucks in less than 30 minutes, this included the time it took to get gas and drinks. This would never happen in the Philippines. I'd be lucky if I could get to Starbucks in less that 30 minutes. Once there, I'd have to pay for parking, another pitfall of the Philippines system. So it was a bittersweet trip.

The end result: Treating my co-workers to a much-needed, afternoon cup of joe. Also, I was successful in pumping my own gas, something I have only had to do a handful of times in two-and-a-half years.

Overall, it was a good lunch break, and I had a productive afternoon. I might have to make the coffee run a monthly habit, my bank account can't afford more frequent trips. I guess I will never get familiar with my local baristas and, most likely, I will have to continue pumping my own gas; I will have to save such luxuries as a memory of Philippine past-times.

Thank you for holding on until the end of this blog, it lived up to it's moniker - random musings.

(The picture is of my friend Ted, in the Philippines, drinking out of a ridiculously small mug. Not at Starbucks, but it's a funny picture and I wanted to use it :) )

Oh Look .... this is my Blog!

It's just pathetic when you forget your own blog address and have to refresh your memory by looking at old Facebook posts. Clear sign that I need to post more blogs. In my defense, I have been blogging for work, check it out: https://oc60thanniversarybanquets.wordpress.com. Now, there I have a been a faithful blogger and picture-poster. Weak excuse, I know, but true nonetheless.

My job description at OC is malleable, but I'm learning to adapt. These last two weeks I have been working on prayer letters, formatting and proofreading - I wisely leave the layout to someone more creative than me. It's been a new experience reading the letters from our missionaries. I didn't realize how many amazing stories I was missing out on by not reading them. God is on the move people! It's kind of an amazing thing to witness.

I'm reading the Christmas letters and I am trying really hard not to bust out the Christmas sweaters and music. I'm committed to celebrating fall and all its glory, since I've missed out on the beautiful season for that last two years. I mean - common on - changing leaves, crisp, clean weather, sweaters, scarves, apple cider, Halloween, pumpkin everything - it's an amazing thing to experience. But, I've got to admit, it's hard not to get wrapped up in the Christmas-fever. After all, those uplifting Christmas jingles are just a mouse click away. Reading the letters also makes me miss the Philippines, where they have been in the Christmas spirit since September.

A great thing about reading Christmas letters a month early is that I get all these good ideas for my own Christmas letter. I'm excited to write it and share it with everyone that has been praying for me. So, if by chance you are not on that list, please send me your information so that I can send you a Christmas greeting. Email or Facebook are the easiest, so here's the email: k.boesel09@gmail.com.

I hope to write more the rest of November and December; we'll see - I've never been good at keeping resolutions :).

In closing, I must say, Happy Fall to you all :)

(I did not take the picture to the right, don't want to take credit)

Sweat, Tears and 50+ Trips to the Copier

Before I officially started my new position at OC’s USMC (United States Mobilization Center), I never knew how much work goes into five celebration banquets – and I just came in on the tail end of it! My older sister would be a asset in this situation – a master planner is needed. 

Everyday at the “office” is a reminder that I’m in the place God wants me.  I wouldn’t say I’ve done too much writing or journalism yet, but I hope that I have been an added relief to this hectic time. Scanning, copying and minor design have been the name of the game.  My last project, the final touches to centerpieces at the banquets, sent me from computer to copier every 5 minutes, at least; the copier and I know each other really well now. As does the IT department – unfortunately my computer problems can’t be solved by “turning it off and on again.” (All my IT Crowd lovers, I hope you get the reference.) Who knew having a Mac would be considered a bad thing?

I’ve also found myself channeling Faith Academy’s computer/network specialist, Kris Rickert, by running everywhere I went – my exercise quota has been sufficiently filled. Walking is just too slow; I have no time to waste.

Here is a little picture of my environment. I am the youngest in the office but one – Ian Smith has me beat by two years, but he is getting married, so that ages you, right? My cubicle is cluttered with stuff I don’t know what to do with (it's not mine), but I’m making it work. My parents work a floor above me and everyone know me, at least most do – there may be a few stragglers – yet I’m not sure I know everyone, but I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that. My boss is great and has so many ideas; when she is stressed or frustrated or feels like it, she speaks in German – why did I take Spanish in high school again? Knowing more German than “I love you” and “good morning” sure would be helpful. Final thing, the whole online system the office works on has develop some artificial intelligence and has decided to hold a personal vendetta against me logging on – was my 14-character password too complicated?

That’s just a taste of where I’m at but this is what I didn’t say: it’s great to be in a place that treats me like family. I love that flexibility isn’t just a word, it’s a belief – so if I have to duck out of the office to take my grandparents to the doctor’s office, I have the freedom to do that. I have a boss with vision but desires for me to have my own. And finally, in a few days, I get to travel to five different sites and talk to people about this OC family I love and celebrate what God is doing in the world. Who could ask for a better job?

I miss my life of the last two years everyday, but it’s nice to have a peace about where I am and know it’s in the direction God wants me to follow.  

P.S. I would post pictures but I'm not sure what to show that's picture worthy. Let me know if an idea come to mind. Also, if you are in the Portland, Southern or Northern California area in the next couple of weeks and you want to see me, let me know so we can work something out.