Mission Conference 2004

This weekend was our church's annual missions conference. A couple of things are worth pointing out:

1. 23 churches in 3 months. The couple that we spent the most time with is supported by 23 churches plus other individuals. Their missions organization allots them 3 months furlough every three years. Of course they spend much of that time visiting supporters. There's got to be a better way.

2. Military to Missionary. We thought Kristin's diabetes would keep us off the mission field after my military career is over. But this weekend we realized that even in our situation the military is great preparation for missions. To meet our medical needs we could do our mission work near any overseas US military installation. For example, we could church-plant among Muslims in London, Spain, Germany, etc. Anywhere there's a decent US military hospital. Also, the frequent moves that are part of the military lifestyle are providing us with a network of churches and friends that could be potential supporters. Plus, we're used to a transitory lifestyle. What's another move or two? The last point I'll mention is that the retirement pay would help offset the support needed.

For years I've wondered what I should do after the military. Kristin and I are excited to think that missions may be right for us.