Last Sunday was Mission Sunday. It is celebrated each year towards the end of October. Mission Sunday is set aside 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. While we mark so many good things happening in our world there are also sadly some horrible things happening too. In recent months and weeks, a day doesn’t go by when we are reminded of the war in Syria and the devastation caused to places like Aleppo. It is completely outside our control as to what happens in places like Syria but we are encouraged to pray for peace.

We might say what’s the point in trying to connect and pray for other countries? It really won’t make much of a difference. Mission Sunday reminds us that it does. Mission makes sure that we don’t lose our sense of who we are and that we are part of a bigger picture. 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. 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 is taking place. Mission Sunday is a celebration of that something special.