Word of the Week: Missions

The Word of the Week is Missions! For as far back as GCC missions goes, Fleming Straughan has been our chairman. If you grab Fleming for a bite to eat, he will no doubt talk about Ireland and missions, and you will sense that he is passionate about missions anywhere, everywhere, at all times. I appreciate Fleming stepping up to lead us all these years. Every missionary Grace supports knows exactly who he is!

This year, at the elders' direction, the missions committee started the process of revisiting its purpose and function. I started that process, but Rob Rupe is a member of the committee and does this kind of thing every day in his day job. It didn’t take long for me to say, “Hey Rob, you should lead these purpose meetings.” As I watched him lead and engage the committee members in the process, it seemed to me that God had raised up another leader for missions.

Fleming and I sat to discuss this and he was immediately gracious and willing for new leadership to emerge. Rob was willing to serve, and together we began to talk through how this might work. At the mission committee’s recommendation, the elders appointed Rob as co-chair with Fleming through the end of the year, and chairman beyond that.

I’m thankful to both of these men for their interest in the cause of Christ around the world. I believe Grace will build on the strengths of the past in missions, and move forward in an even more vibrant missions’ effort, with regular trips, regular updates, and increased prayer support  in our future. Rob’s organizational gifts will build on Fleming’s passion to help us to become that church every missionary longs to visit!  Please express your appreciation to Fleming and support to Rob!

Don