The Upward Call of God

We have all seen dead flies on the windowsill next to wide open doors.

Organizations have died when their leaders failed to see and grasp new opportunities for sustainability and growth.

Finding God’s open doors for our personal and corporate lives means we must not obstinately insist that we know the way, we must be willing to try new ones. It takes the humility to abandon some former ways, the courage to let go of dear relationships and comforts with grace. 

People do it all over the world at this time, determining to do better or more this year than the last, perhaps to get more, go further, and faster.

Even for those who may be slowing down or stepping down, it is invariably to narrow their focus and be or do better at something they value.

We begin the New Year with great expectations; it feels good to have a new beginning, to make decisions with plans and resolve to move from aspiration to achievement.

It has been said, “a man’s reach should exceed his grasp”¹ apparently that is why we have heaven. Something somewhere higher to aim for.

So naturally, we are pressing forward with resolve to grasp the opportunities of the New Year for existing teams and serve those we have never served before.

Teams are already on the move to their regular missions, a few have pivoted for security reasons, and the plan is that our best in 2025 will be better and if possible, more than 2024.

As an organization, EMAS Canada looks forward to starting afresh with new-shared goals for the next five years. As we launch into our strategic planning process, we eagerly anticipate a better understanding of God’s plan for our leaders, volunteers, and overseas partners.

This understanding will come partly through a shared process of listening carefully to our leaders, Canadian volunteers, overseas partners, and donors; and partly through evaluating what we are good at and investing in the opportunities that best advance the kingdom of Jesus Christ through healthcare.

Being right with God in character and service, (Heaven) is ultimately our aspiration, the thing we reach for.

Pressing on to the call of God to Christlikeness in person and work is costly, but there is a mindset associated with adulthood that makes it attractive and worth the cost.²

Christlikeness is the first of our guiding principles.