Mission statements have become very popular. Almost every organisation, whether a club, society, church, school, or hospital have their own Mission statements. It puts the focus on what they are about. As an example most sporting organisations would include the enjoyment, recreation and wellbeing of all members of the club.

It is always good to put our sense of mission before us as a reminder of what we are about. This is what we do every year when we celebrate Mission Sunday which was celebrated all over the world yesterday.

So what are we about? 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 or background. 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.

This year we are particularly shocked by what is happening in the Middle East. The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is complex and worrying. These are the lands that Jesus once walked in. He was a man of peace and hope and his message is even more relevant during these troubled times.

Mission Sunday reminds us not to lose hope. Mission Sunday is a celebration of you and your something special. Every time we share love or do something good for someone else, we are already a missionary. We are asked this weekend to pray for all missionaries and all countries across the world. In particular special prayers are asked for peace in the Middle East and the other troubled parts of our world. Mission Sunday means we are all connected. Our prayers today and this week of Mission are also connected and make a real and lasting difference.

Thought For The Week is updated each Monday