Have you come across this article recently? https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20201215-why-being-kind-to-others-is-good-for-your-health

The acts of kindness, gentleness and love have positive physiological impact on our bodies. In light of the many challenges we have all been living through, an act of kindness can be experienced in surprising ways; from an unexpected knock at the door by a neighbor offering a dish, to receiving a small package from a distant relative or a handwritten note from a colleague. It brings me comfort to know that God delights in the surprise as well. God shows up in so many ways in our lives. Have we noticed?

The Short-Term Mission Office has been offering platforms to enable everyone to be active ingredients in Kingdom building, elevate the ministry of presence, of “showing up” and facilitating bridge building; whether it be in-person short-term mission, digital ministry, virtual 60 minutes or 90 minutes experiences, or zoom presentations. These experiences to see, hear and connect with our global servants and partners are beyond acts of kindness. They are a life line from sunset to sunrise. They are part of the ethos of being relational, as the Body of Christ.

We are grateful to God for reminding us to lean into and embrace Matthew 5: 16(NIV) ” …Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” I really like the Message version of that same verse “By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God.” We are active ingredients to foster others to “open with God.”

A team from Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania will travel virtually on the Mission Express to Lebanon, January 25 – 29, 2021 and be active participants in learning, discovering, accompanying, praying and shining Jesus’ light in the US and in Lebanon and surrounding areas.