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Transforming for our time
Beyond
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Transforming for our time
November 2021
GP0|#6c45e146-a54c-4766-8d77-e57ac1def274;L0|#06c45e146-a54c-4766-8d77-e57ac1def274|Beyond;GTSet|#bb9274b4-45fe-43f1-8b69-3df0b933cdb0;GPP|#a82c2124-212e-4f7a-b626-9a0c5a3534c2;GPP|#96e4d92c-656e-45f6-9cd5-ab8aed108e3c
Vol. 20, No. 1
https://www.mennonitemission.net/resources/publications/beyond/706/Transforming for our time
Transforming for our time
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<p></p><h2>The miracle we are becoming </h2><p><em>By Laurie Oswald Robinson</em></p><p><br>The metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly has become an almost ho-hum symbol of transformation. And yet, there is nothing mundane about a belly-crawling bug that takes to the skies in a multicolored dance of wings. It is a true miracle when an inert cocoon opens to the fluid light of the sun. In God's creation, transforming miracles — whether in nature, individuals, cultures or mission agencies — do not happen on their own. They need the infusion of divine life, energy and creativity to push one thing into becoming another. </p><p>In Revelation 7:9-10 — our theme verses for this annual report — we are reminded of another kind of miracle that transforms diversity in unity: A great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language stand together before the throne and before the Lamb. They cry out in loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne. ..." </p><p>What is the process for realizing this unity, resplendent in all its God-created diversity — forging this diversity in unity? </p><p>Is it the forging of a more antiracist and just community? Yes. <br>Is it becoming more inclusive in the voices we share and amplify throughout the agency? Yes. </p><p>Is it increased global awareness and the desire for mutuality in partnering with others? Yes. </p><p>Is it organizational re-alignment: A reshaping that helps us retain the good of the past and better fit the future in our call to encourage and equip the church for mission? Yes. </p><p>Yet, there is another ancient element that transcends and empowers these contemporary human efforts. </p><p>It is the transition of focus from self- and other-reliance to God-reliance. It is God, not we, who sits on the throne. It is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, not our efforts, as valiant and necessary as they are. As creatures jointly worship their Creator — the source of their diverse identity and common humanity — unifying miracles happen that could not happen otherwise. </p><p>I pray during this time of transition that we encourage each other to focus on the One who empowers and equips us to fully unfold into what we are called to be as a mission agency. May we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our flight into the new horizons that await the miracle we are becoming. <br></p><p><br></p>
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Transforming for our time
https://assets.mennonites.org/Downloads/Beyond_Oct_C21_WEB.pdf
Transforming for our time
English
Articles
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Story 2: Building trust in shaky times
https://www.mennonitemission.net/beyond/4618/Story-2-Building-trust-in-shaky-times
Story 2: Building trust in shaky times
By Ann Jacobs
Looking up, looking around, looking forward
https://www.mennonitemission.net/beyond/4616/Looking-up-looking-around-looking-forward---
Looking up, looking around, looking forward
By Marisa Smucker
Story 1: Broadening horizons at 71
https://www.mennonitemission.net/beyond/4617/Story-1-Broadening-horizons-at-71
Story 1: Broadening horizons at 71
By Alisha Garber
Transforming into vulnerability
https://www.mennonitemission.net/beyond/4615/Transforming-into-vulnerability
Transforming into vulnerability
By Mike Sherrill
Story 3: Transforming Down Under
https://www.mennonitemission.net/beyond/4619/Story-3-Transforming-Down-Under
Story 3: Transforming Down Under
By Mark Hurst
Story 4: Missiology shaped by servanthood
https://www.mennonitemission.net/beyond/4620/Story-4-Missiology-shaped-by-servanthood
Story 4: Missiology shaped by servanthood
By Matthew Krabill
Story 5: All invited to the Lamb’s throne
https://www.mennonitemission.net/beyond/4621/Story-5-All-invited-to-the-Lambs-throne
Story 5: All invited to the Lamb’s throne
By Siaka Traoré
Story 6: Pandemic forges transforming mission
https://www.mennonitemission.net/beyond/4622/Story-6-Pandemic-forges-transforming-mission
Story 6: Pandemic forges transforming mission
By Ofelia García