The Changing Face of Mission

I am currently working on developing a few interviews with key people who work in missions related to the changes that are occuring in missions due to changed financial realities as well as changing shifts in the perspectives of the current generation of youth. I hope to be posting these on this blog in a few weeks. My personal perspective is that although demoninational organizations are having to readjust how they approach the financing of missions, there is a very large interest in missions on the part of youth and college students. The interesting dynamic is that the current generation seems to have a passion for people and for living as a Christian witness to parts of society previously marginalized by many Christians. The following clip is an interesting overview of Urbana 2009 which is currently underway that reflects this shift.

Invictus

Last night I got free tickets to see the preshowing of Invictus. Although I know nothing about rugby, the story line of Nelson Mandela and the incredible spirit of forgiveness that he demonstrated is overwhelming. The following is a piece from the movie:

Invictus Poem – 1867 By William Ernest Henley (was also the poem kept by President Nelson Mandela in his cell) Invictus is Latin and means unconquered.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank God for
my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.


Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.