This past Sunday evening I was able to participate in the commissioning service of three families who are ready to move from recruit to missionary status. Most of their fund-raising has been completed, they have been assessed and have gotten their training, they have worked and prayed hard for this moment to arrive. One family is going to the deserts of northern Kenya, one is going to Burkina Faso, and the third will be working among the urban poor in the largest slum in Africa (Nairobi, Kenya). These are all long term missionaries, meaning their term length is three or four years.

The large group of about 80 people who participated in the event broke into three smaller groups, with each group then surrounding the couple being commissioned, laying their hands on them, and praying God’s direction, guidance, wisdom, and provision for them and their families. It was very meaningful.

I could not help but think about the invitation time we will be having each evening at the National Missionary Convention in Tulsa. At that special time, people are invited to come to the front of the assembly and share any decision with trained counselors. It is a meaningful time as dozens of people stream forward to announce their place in advancing the Kingdom of God.

Chris DeWelt, himself a former missionary in Chile and currently professor of missions at Ozark Christian College, will be leading the invitation time. Chris knows what it means to make important decisions – he’s be there, he counsels recruits, he understands the need for preparation and partnership. His team will offer words of encouragement and prayers for provision.

Back in Oklahoma...

I get to be back in my newly adopted state of Oklahoma this month. On May 25 I will be sharing in the worship services at the Cedar Ridge Christian Church in Broken Arrow. Then on Tuesday I will participate in the monthly ministers meeting in Oklahoma City.