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LI am writing this article a few days after our World Mission weekend. Saturday’s “Church Family Fun Day” was a lovely time. Val and I want to say again a huge thank you to the many, many people who worked so hard beforehand, and during the event, to ensure that everything ran smoothly. You did a marvellous job - THANK YOU!

The fine weather was an added bonus and gave the whole day a wonderfully relaxed feel. If you weren’t able to get along, then there are plenty of photographs to record the event. Ralph was snapping away all day!

It was particularly encouraging to have with us the Mission Team from Leigh Road Baptist Church in Leigh-in-Sea. Their contribution, both on the Saturday and again on the Sunday, gave us all much to think about.

At the time of writing, gifts, pledges and projected gift aid totals almost Ł3,200, which is a tremendous result. All of this money will go towards the mission fund for 2009. The fund will remain open until the mission next summer. Those who are selected to go will be asked to contribute at least 50% of the cost if they are in a position to do so, but we do not want finance to be a barrier for anyone. Additionally, it would be wonderful if we are in a position to bless the missionaries with a financial gift when we go.

So, what now? We are waiting to hear from BMS World Mission concerning details fo the Church Mission opportunities for 2009. Once these are known, we shall carefully and prayerfully consider how a team from our church might best serve a specific mission situation. There is plenty of time, so we do not have to rush.

Once we are clear about the specifics of the mission, applications will be invited from those who sense God may be calling them to go. We will be guided by friends from Leigh Road in this process, and I am sure their experience will be invaluable to us. It is likely that there will be more applicants than places available. This happened at Leigh Road, and applicants were interviewed by a panel of people not connected with their church in order to select those who would actually go. This seems a very helpful way to handle a potentially difficult situation. As I understand it, the interview group sought God’s guidance as to which people would best meet the needs of the mission, and work well as a team.

As far as we are concerned, there are no guaranteed places. Val and I believe that we should submit to the selection process, just as Steven and Jenny Hembrey (pastor and wife) did at Leigh Road BC.

The most important thing at this stage is for us all to understand that this is a CHURCH mission. Every one of us is involved, whether or not we actually go, and each one of us has a vital role to play. So, please join me in praying that the Lord would guide us clearly over the coming months. Also, spend time asking God what role He would have you play as we anticipate the mission. It may even be that God is asking you to be willing to go .............