Give MOR,  Get MOR, Be MOR

“It's better to give than to receive.” While this may be true, doesn't somebody have to receive in order for me to give? Then, isn't it just as important to receive? I see it as just two sides of an exchange, both essential to be complete. At least that's how I see missions.

As Tim and I were completing our mission service in Africa, we attended a debriefing and re-entry retreat with other ELCA missionaries from around the world. The Pastor- Facilitator asked us to share two experiences: one, a time when you were a blessing, and two, a time when you were blessed. What struck me about the responses was that most individuals talked about the same event in their service. They were blessed most when they were a blessing. It was certainly true for me. And that's the really marvelous secret of mission work. When you give more, you get more and through that experience, you are more.

MOR is the middle of the “SMOREs” that stands for Stewardship, Mission Outreach and Evangelism. I invite you to taste the adventure. Reaching out to strangers is more than a command from God. It's a chance to explore another side of God's creation and in doing so, to see more of God. And you don't need to travel to the other side of the world; there's a lot of God to see right here in Albuquerque. One difficulty with outreach is just how to go about it. Where/whom/how do I serve? I don't think I'm supposed to just waltz in to a homeless shelter and yell “Ta-Da!” Fear is another obstacle. Entering a prison is a pretty anxious moment the first time. Going to Africa was really scary for our whole family. What helps me is a tour guide: someone to show me the way or maybe to literally hold my hand. I DO want to take the adventure; some guidance makes it possible and some friends along make it fun.

And that's what MOR is about: guiding members of Cross of Hope into joyful mission and outreach. Taste the adventure.

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