Yesterday (Oct 18th) was Mission Sunday. It is a day set aside each year to celebrate so many good and positive faith stories all over the world. God’s presence is to be found in so many countries, cultures and different walks of life. Mission is not just about celebrating God’s story in one particular area of the world but that somehow every country and person is connected in some way. We might say what’s the point in trying to connect and pray for other countries? Sure haven’t we enough troubles of our own.

But Mission makes sure that we don’t lose our sense of who we are and that we are part of a bigger picture. Our faith and belief in God is deepened, enhanced and made more meaningful when we embrace diversity and other viewpoints. Mission Sunday is recognising that God often works quietly through each of us. When you begin to connect all our stories something really special and significant is taking place. Mission Sunday is a celebration of that something special. It would be a mistake to think we need special training or that we need to be at it full time. It is good to know we are doing lots of it already. Every time we share love or do something good for someone else, we are already a missionary. Mission Sunday is a celebration of you. It is a celebration of how your life touches others in ways you may not even be aware of. Mission Sunday celebrates the uniqueness of every single person no matter what their beliefs. We are asked this week to pray for all missionaries and all countries across the world. In particular special prayers are asked for the countries where refugees and migrants are desperately trying to seek a new home.