As our son heads in for his first surgery, under the influence of anesthesia, I’m reminded of a recent conversation about THC gummies (or other edible cannabis items). A friend was concerned about Christians in their community using these products recreationally because they have been legalized.

Did you know that there are some common sentiments that are often quoted to missions workers that are unfounded myths?

Can you guess what the number one “risk myth” is?

I looked around the table at the orientees and asked, “If you could use one word to describe maturity, what word would you use?”

It was a bit of a trick question. I thought I knew how they would answer. They responded with words like wise, discerning, experienced, responsible. When we got to the last person on my left, she said, “Well, I am picturing a person. Someone who has discipled me. And I just think of kindness.”

Bingo. We were getting somewhere.

When was the last time someone listened to you? Really listened to you? They didn’t have an agenda; they didn’t interrupt, rattle off their opinions and advice, or tell you about their great uncle’s second cousin who also experienced what you’re going through - only worse.

I can’t say I was necessarily looking forward to this. I was set up to share with a church’s missions council and I was nervous and out of practice. But I had asked Jesus for an opportunity to encourage this team even as I shared about what we are doing in ministry as those who provide “care” for global workers, and I was leaning into trusting that he would do that.