Romans 11:18b "Remember this, you do not support the root, the root supports you."

Before leaving Costa Rica this year for our US/Puerto Rico assignment, I picked up a discarded root from a coffee plant outside of the church where we worship in Santo Tomas. I imagined using it to show folks in the US an everyday object from our experience living in a country known as one of the world's leading producers of gourmet coffee. I also love finding metaphors to connect biblical concepts with the living out of our faith in everyday life. The root I found has come in handy many times as we've shared what God is doing in our lives and the lessons we've learned from our extended faith family in Costa Rica.

Not too long ago we had the opportunity to share at a World Mission Gathering in my home church in San Bernardino, CA. Judson Baptist Church hosted and invited ten other area churches to celebrate both local and global missions. The theme was Grace and Forgiveness: The Power to Change the World. It was in the fertile soil of this and another small American Baptist Church that my relationship with Jesus began, was nurtured, and grew. As I stood in front of the congregation as a visiting missionary, I was reminded of the many faithful servants who had shared the life-changing good news of knowing Jesus with me. In this place where I have my roots, I was overwhelmed at how far-reaching these connections have extended. Although I haven't lived in San Bernardino for over twenty years, the people who introduced me to Jesus still do. Filling a whole pew in front of me was my extended family, among them my Aunt Sharon who was the one who brought me along with my sisters to church after she and my Uncle Mel met Jesus. It was because of one invitation that our whole family system was impacted. Because my Aunt and Uncle found grace and forgiveness, my world was changed.

I'm now privileged to share and celebrate that same good news with others whose roots are nurtured in Costa Rican soil. Different place, same root. We are all connected to the same Lord in whom we find life and strength. We are supported by the One who created us, nurtures us and causes us to grow. The fruits we celebrate in mission come from being connected to the Source and Root of all life, Jesus Christ. It was good to be reminded that we don't support the root, it is not about us, we are supported by the Root, and this connection causes us to support each other. It was nice to be "home" for a visit knowing that whenever we go we'll find family because we all come from the same root. It feels good to be connected.

Yours along the Way,

Mylinda