We're all called to 'get out the boat'

Mission is not an add-on – it’s who we are. Elim’s DNA is missional at the core, says Marty Davison.

Rejoice, and again I say rejoice! It is a joy and a privilege to bring you this update as I enter my eleventh month as International Missions Director.

I’m convinced we are called to grow and mature in our Christian walk – to get ‘out of the boat’ and become increasingly dependent on God. The alternative is settling into a rhythm of comfort and routine, one that lacks the active exercise of faith and the sense of anticipation and expectation that even nature has of the sons and daughters of God.

This past year has been a whirlwind of learning, information, adaptation, transition and change. From pastoring a local church to attending Heads of Department meetings, EIC staff gatherings, Missions staff sessions, risk management discussions and strategic planning – yes, lots of meetings! It has been fun, challenging, rewarding and, at times, frustrating. A year truly spent ‘out of the boat’.

I’ve set healthy objectives for myself and allowed space to learn what works and what doesn’t. For example, leading the Prayer for the Nations Zoom meeting from home at 7am on a Tuesday and then driving up to Malvern for the rest of the day doesn’t work for me! If I’m in the office that day, I need to be present from before the P4N Zoom.

One of my key priorities has been to visit our missionaries in the field. I haven’t yet visited all of them, but each time I return home I’m inspired afresh – by their hearts, the impact of their work, and the burning desire it gives me to champion them all the more.

… story continues