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Key Bible Verse: Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God (Romans 15:31). Bonus Reading: Ecclesiastes 10:8–9; 11:2

Friends: Tomorrow we'll travel by bus to Guate-mala's remote Ixil area. The biggest danger, I've learned, isn't from bandits but from falling off the edge of the road. Even so, I've spent most of the day running from the police station to the keyboard and back to supply the required documents requesting an armed guard to accompany our bus. The police provided this service after the rape of four U.S. students on a tourist bus a few months ago.

As I sat in government waiting rooms, I thought about the implications for missions of "risk management." Passions once devoted to a struggle to change the world are now invested in trying to ensure that we're safe. Few students have been challenged to risk their lives for Jesus' sake. Many pastors and Christian parents demand guarantees of safety we're unable to give. Those who live for safety alone end up living joyless lives. Yet I'm arranging for armed transport because I don't want to take "unnecessary risk."

But if the guard doesn't show up tomorrow, I won't call off our trip. Safety won't be our highest value. We believe we have a Protector—that's why I'm writing. Pray.

—Mack Stiles in Mack & LeAnn's Guide to Short-Term Missions

My Response: How would I define "unnecessary risk"?

Thought to Apply: When safety is worshipped and risks are seen as intrinsically bad, society is making a clear statement about the values that ought to guide life. —Frank Furedi (British sociology professor)

Adapted from Mack & Leeann's Guide to Short-Term Missions (InterVarsity, 2000) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

In light of what You endured for me, Savior, empower me to move out of my comfort zone for You.

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