“Here I am, Lord, what would you have me do?”

I sit at my office desk struggling with the complex global issues that trouble my mind and heart with each news bulletin: more obliteration in Gaza, bloody conflict and famine in Sudan, rising oceans threatening to overwhelm some of the most beautiful islands in the world; and I wonder what is CMSI’s role in all this? Is there more we should be doing in God’s service? But this is not just an organisational challenge, it is also a very personal one. What responsibility do I bear, as a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, to bring healing and shalom, just as he did along the dusty roads?

Then, once again, a door opens, an opportunity to visit CMSI’s global partners in Kenya and Tanzania. It comes at a busy time with the start of the annual cycle of activities and the Ignite conference on the horizon, but these are always precious interludes. Yes, there is work to be done and the schedules are hectic, but somehow this is always accompanied by deeper reflection and renewal of heart and soul.

As we struggle to facilitate partnerships across the global church that are marked by level grounded reciprocity, I refuse to be surprised when, during my visit, I am once again overwhelmed by welcome and generosity. The thoughtfulness of retired bishop Taama who travelled 450kms just to meet me and accompany me the 450kms back to Kondoa, the touching way a beautiful Maasai woman drew me into her traditional home just to see how she lives and then provided tea and chapatis, Bishop Gaula spending 2 whole days to take me to visit remote parishes when he was already hosting other visitors and the 2 day synod was about to commence, and the presents of shukas, kangas and honey. This sharing of gifts, time and presence across the global body of Christ is a tangible reminder of who we, as church, are called to be: a people of hospitality who go far beyond the call of duty, who share whatever they have overlooking no one, who bring hope, warmth and laughter.

So when I return to my desk in the CMSI office, where I felt overwhelmed with trouble, I will take heart knowing that God’s people are working away quietly in His service across the globe transforming the narrative. With renewed vigour I can pray ‘Here am I, Lord, what would you have me do?’