Blog Riding the Rollercoaster

By Mark McPeak

“You tend to overestimate what you can accomplish in one year; but you underestimate what you can do in five years—if you really focus.” I don’t know who first said this or even where I first heard it. I know it has been true at International Missions.

Four years ago this month, I began a rollercoaster ride that just seems unending. Our leadership team crafted a five-year strategic plan in December of 2005, and we began to aggressively work the plan. Since then, change has permeated almost everything we do. In fact, January 1, 2010, will usher in one of the most significant changes in our 74-year history as we move into our new funding system.

Even though it feels like the pace of change at IM is dizzying, our world is changing even faster. Our changes are for one purpose: so we can continue to focus on the unchanging priority of the Great Commission. Winston Churchill said, “there is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.” Agreed! Change is all about direction. We must direct ourselves to do everything we can to reach lost people around the world.

This new version of fwbgo.com is a great change! We’ve redesigned the site to make it easier for you to connect with what God is doing around the world. By signing up for MyIM you can choose what is important to you and the missionaries you want to follow. Every time you visit fwbgo.com your page will fill with news, blogs, events, and opportunities for involvement to match your preferences.

Through MyIM you will learn about causes you can champion and even short-term missions trips you may take. Most importantly you can connect with IM workers around the world as never before. As they update their news page, add pictures and videos, express prayer needs, put their thoughts into a blog, update their Facebook or Twitter you’ll know about it immediately. The relationship benefits for you and for our missionaries are amazing. And, isn’t it cool?

Why are we making this investment and effort? It’s because we need you. And, you need us. We all need each other. The past 74 years have created a foundation for an amazing future. Our works around the world are growing. Leaders are being trained. National churches are beginning to send out their own missionaries. We are pushing into some of the darkest and least reached areas of the world. And you have more unbelievable opportunities to be involved.

Here’s my challenge...jump on the rollercoaster! Join MyIM. Commit to do something to reach the world that you have never done before. Imagine what we can all do together!