FRIDAY, January 22 (Vincent of Saragossa)

God's sudden command to Abram, to leave all that Abram knew and loved to this place that God would show him--without maps, without directions, without even the hint of a destination--resonates with missionaries all over the world.

Repeatedly, I am asked: "Why did you go to this place so far away from your home? Why are you here? Why aren't you in (fill-in-the-blank)?"

My answer is simple: "God told me to go to this place." I add, "At least I got directions!"

But even with those directions, even with my experience, I was not fully prepared for what I have encountered here, what I have gone through, what life is truly like here. Every time something new comes up, something different, I turn back to God's command to Abram--Go! (which I did in complete trust)--and God's promise--I will bless you (which I receive with great thanks). The knowledge of that combination--command and blessing--sustains me in the darkest moments and lifts my soul to God in the best of times.

We are all missionaries for and with Christ. We are all called to go. We all will be blessed.

PRAY for the Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior (British Columbia and the Yukon, Canada)

Ps 31 * 35; Hebrews 7:1-17; John 4:16-26

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