“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction [lit. the Pit], who crowns you with lovingkindness, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:2-5).

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca [Weeping], They make it a spring; . . . they go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion” (Psalm 84:5-6a, 7).

Reality is based on relationships between created beings and the Creator Being. Mission work is about human beings who are in relationship with God introducing yet other human beings to Him. God’s purpose is relational. Our calling in mission is relational and training for mission also needs to be relational.

“But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire” (1 Thessalonians 2:17).

“Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High . . . Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God” (Psalm 50:14, 23).

“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).