Hudson What do we know about "Mission and Service?" Many of us would define "mission" as inviting someone to church, being nice to someone that has been mean to us, or maybe even helping at a soup kitchen. Many of us would define "service" as opening the door for a stranger, returning an item to the rightful owner, or making a meal for someone who is sick or homebound. These definitions are okay and they are needed. Yet, these definitions do not require a high level of "risk."

When was the last time that you took a "risk" in "mission and service." Some things that I would put into this category that would require "risk" would be visiting a different culture with a new language while trying to live and explain the love of Jesus. It is one thing to explain the Bible and your faith to those who understand; yet it is quite different to do those things with people who understand a different language. Another "risk" would be adopting a child. I can only imagine the risk it would take to incorporate a child into your life, not just for the short term, but for their whole life. Another "risk" would be serving those in a different race or ethnic community where you no longer feel safe. Like fixing up a home in a rundown neighborhood, or walking the streets of big city at night to find a missing child.

In the Old Testament, Nehemiah took a huge "risk" in asking the King of Persia if he could return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls which had been destroyed and laid in ruins for many years. He risked his wealth (working for the king), his position (as a cupbearer), and his life to make a difference in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and piecing together a huge part of the Jewish faith and heritage. How many of us would be willing to risk our job, our position, and our convenient life in order to help rebuild the wall of a city (that would have been hard work)? I would guess, not many.

Many of us would declare that we have NOT taken much "risk" when it comes to "mission and service." And you are probably wondering right now, what are some things in Carroll County that I could do that require more "risk." Well, you could adopt a child in your home or through a sponsorship program like Compassion Int. or World Vision. You could lend your time to help build the next Habitat home in our community. You could be a mentor to a child through our schools or one of our churches (look for opportunities this fall). Find an activity that takes you out of your own church or home and makes you uncomfortable. Now, that is taking a "Risk."

Nehemiah risked everything that he knew and understood in order to rebuild the walls of the city of Jerusalem.

The thought of the Jerusalem walls torn down made him sad to the point of tears, caused him to pray for direction and help from God, and ultimately to asking the king for permission to leave. What issues or injustices do you see in our world, in our country, in our state, or in our county that make you weep and cause you to pray? If nothing comes to mind, then you have been playing too safe. If a few things come to mind, begin to pray for the courage to take "action" in one area that God would help you. If enough of us begin to act out our faith in our community, then the "risk" would not seem as great as we act together. May God help us to do "risk taking mission and service" together!

Micah Hudson is youth director at Delphi United Methodist Church.