A few years ago, the extended family had an afternoon group activity, the completion of a large jigsaw puzzle: a map of Australia. It was not 1000 pieces, but there was still a great satisfaction when the last piece was placed, and the picture was made complete, each piece in its correct position.
Mission (together) is also like a jigsaw puzzle. We are like pieces of the puzzle. Each piece has its part, and the complete picture depends on being placed in the puzzle.
Growing up I would hear about, or from, people who were from the mission field. It was usually a remote, exotic, unknown location that people went in response to God’s call, to spread the good news. What was lost on me for many years was that mission happens where you are. Whether near or far, like a jigsaw piece, I was to be placed in the puzzle.
Baptist Care SA, and all mission expressions of the Baptist Churches of SA are mission opportunities. We are individually and corporately called to mission. Beyond that where we find ourselves, in all circumstances, we are in mission, irrespective of our awareness of it.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11
