:: AIP#82 - Our "Ends of the Earth"? ::

Now that both of our weekly gatherings (Sunday Village and Monday Replay) have gone through the Total Church chapter on world mission, we’re looking to our church family to help us prayerfully consider where we’re going to make a long-term investment in the world.

Here’s the scoop: we know we’ll be in Belize, and will likely be taking a quick “learning trip” there in March to get a feel for how we can most strategically be used for God’s purposes there [let Ben know if you’re interested in going].

In addition to our commitment to Belize, however, we are committing to, in the words of my friend Bob Roberts, "some hellhole of the world who desperately needs Jesus." Belize is friendly to Americans and the gospel; most folks speak English; it’s relatively safe. It’s a very in-need mission field, but there are other places in the world who have far less access to the gospel, which generally means they’re a little tougher to get to and less accepting of the gospel. Thus, they’ve been largely ignored by US Christians, missions org’s, etc.

So where are those places at “the ends of the earth,” where The City Church will, as a community, work in domains of society to show and share Christ? We’re asking your input: Is there anywhere specific you’re passionate about? Anywhere you know of a huge need, and want to commit to helping meet that need? Etc.

Post your thoughts below [or better yet, post them onour online network here.

We’ll prayerfully consider them as a church family, and our hope is to take a small group on a “learning trip” to the place(s) we feel most led to, as we continue to discern God’s place for us over the course of 2010.

We know we can’t be everywhere. We may not end up everywhere we discuss, or even everywhere we send initial trips. But we believe that in the power and will of God, we can make a difference for the gospel, somewhere he most needs us. And we’re excited to get your input and to see where those places are over the next year!

Post away!