Hey, Is That a Curve in the Road… and ANOTHER Vehicle Coming!

 In a world where global travel is the norm perhaps many of you have experienced the tense feeling you get when your bus is traveling down a high mountain road approaching a bend when suddenly another vehicle appears and will pass you right on the bend! You find yourself staring out the side window down a mile deep gorge realizing that if the driver misjudges, even inches, you will find yourself tumbling end-over-end most likely waking up to see Jesus!

Well this summer has been a road filled with curves. As I am working with Columbia International University we are preparing to investigate a process to locate 142 unengaged Muslin groups in Europe. This is the first step in mobilizing people to reach these groups. Using census data gets us general information but we need more. Building this semester lab will attract the “social media gurus” needed to develop this new ethnographic research tool for the global mission community.

Whoa, survived that curve but I see the sign, “windy road a head”.

I am the Conference Director for The Justice Conference Charlotte planned for February 21-22, 2014. Last year’s conference was a huge success but not being satisfied with the thrill of this curve we are taking it to another level… we will be merging with the National Justice Conference leveraging the influence of having a national voice on justice issues with the power of mobilizing local people into opportunities in the southeast United States as well as overseas. Our model will be replicated in 50 cities across the US. We can see tens of thousands mobilized to touch people’s lives.

Whoa, we are in the curve now and holding on (I do have a smile on my face)!

Thursday evening, August 15^th, United World Mission (UWM) Board voted unanimously to take over Latin American Mission (LAM). LAM is a great mission organization and one, which has built extensive networks into the Latin World both with great ministries as well as Latin missionary sending groups. Due to some internal limitations LAM sought out UWM and discussions began. Over the next half-year the UWM partnership team will work to meet with and integrate about 150 or so missionaries and 87 national partners. This is exciting as we continue to build a global team of talented, passionate, workers made up of people from many cultures.

Whoa, I saw the curve but didn’t realize it would be that big of one… (Imagine me hanging out the window)!

Okay, last item or curve for now… please pray as I work with this Muslim movement in Europe. I am now starting to meet with and work with people from the largest church on the middle east/north Africa. They send hundreds of North African missionaries into Islamic nations all over the world. As we consider reaching European Muslims we will need missionaries not only form North America but also and most like more from Latin America and Middle East/North Africa.

Whoa, God saw this curve happening and has already built the needed roadbed for safe passage on the curve… (Hanging on and depending on His wisdom)!

As we navigate these curves I suddenly realize who the driver is, Jesus. We hold onto Him as we balance life and ministry. Our work is all about setting people and initiatives in motion so that lives are changed and Jesus made real... and you are a critical part of this work. We know you pray for us and stand with us as we grow the kingdom. THANK YOU.

Would you help us discover others who may want to help these efforts? PLEASE, consider helping us grow our support base.

This is your investment. This is your joy.

Mark Szymanski
www.mszymanski.com
mski1957@gmail.com

Won’t you please consider joining our financial support team? You can send contributions to: United World Mission, PO Box 602002, Charlotte NC 28260-2002 and write ACCT# 11013 in the memo line. Further info about on-line giving and other programs see United World Mission. Thank you to our present supporters that allow us to impact the many lives across the planet. Again, THANKS!