For your consideration ---

Since the majority of you who receive this newsletter are Boomers and you have a serious interest in a missions-related ministry, here are some items to consider while on your journey to global impact:

• You are challenged by a commitment to significant impact, not necessarily to filling a particular niche in an organizational chart.  However, in your communication with an agency you may, at times, feel you are being recruited instead of listened to.  Don't let that derail you.  Listen.  Discern.  Know who you are, express your passion for significant ministry and with a patient, yet persistent approach, work through to a fit that you know you have been prepared for. 
• You are concerned for the welfare of your parents and your children and are looking for ministry opportunities that allow you to live out that concern.  Boomers are sometimes called the "sandwich" generation---pressed on by our children's needs and the need to care for aging parents.  At times you may sense resistance to these values as you are questioned about priorities---is it God first or family---or---??  Let these questions serve to help you honestly examine your values and what you sense is your God-honoring expression of those values at this time in your life.  It is easy to slide off course in either direction on this issue.  Seek peace in such decisions, then take steps of obedience, rather than remain immobile out of fear for the future.
• You care about how you're cared for.  At times your questions about management approaches, leadership styles, insurance coverage, return family visits may be interpreted as a lack of commitment.  The Builder Generation seemed to be less interested in those "comfort" issues and were willing to just get out there and serve.  Sometimes it is people from that paradigm who are hearing those concerns from you and raising the questions.  The truth of the matter is that for any generation, regardless of their cultural values and norms, obedience is not based on the percentage of comforts we get to maintain.  It is based on seeking to please our Lord, regardless.  Yes, it is true that we, as Boomers, want answers to the "care" issues that affect us.  So ask the questions, but with graciousness and a rock-solid commitment to obedience.

These are only three areas of concern you might be experiencing as you traverse this journey from your present situation toward what you see as an even more significant kingdom impact.  In future issues we will share some helpful insights on other realities we face.  From Finishers, our encouragement is to make an accurate evaluation of who you are, diligently look for opportunities to maximize your potential impact for our Lord, go about that process with an attitude of humility and once found, throw yourself wholeheartedly into that work, always as a servant-learner.