Imagine...

"Imagine the city the way God wants it to be. No more poverty. No more injustice. Every person matters. Now imagine a handful of young people moving into a house in the city, working to make this a reality.

People who learn from their neighbors, listen to their needs, and pray with them over and over. People who work hard to love others the way Jesus loves. People who stay long enough to become true friends.

Imagine that house becoming a safe place in the neighborhood where people see the gospel lived out, alive and available to all.

Imagine each individual devoting each day to God, then going out to do what God says. Partnering with social service agencies and local churches who are working towards the same goal. Offering compassion and working for justice.

Can you see what happens? That household makes a difference in the neighborhood, and the neighborhood makes a difference in return. The living gospel transforms everything it touches. The Kingdom of God advances.

Now, finally, imagine all of that a thousand times over..." (www.missionyear.org)

This is the vision of Mission Year. I feel tears threatening to escape my eyes every time I read that. How beautiful it is to dream these dreams, to imagine creative ways to advance the Kingdom of God. How beautiful it is to believe that when Jesus prayed for God's will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven, He meant that - the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. How beautiful it is to live in the light of Redemption and of Grace and to know that one day all of creation will be restored!

I just wanted to share with you that vision, and I pray that it touches you heart the way it constantly touches mine.

Regarding my previous post: no one had to return home! Mission Year is still struggling, however, and still needs to raise more money in order to get by and to continue operating beyond this year.

Lord, let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.