We’re all called to ‘get out of the boat’

Mission is not an add-on – it’s who we are. Elim’s DNA is missional at the core, says Marty Davison

Rejoice, and again I say rejoice! It is a joy and a privilege to bring you this update as I enter my eleventh month as International Missions Director.

I’m convinced we are called to grow and mature in our Christian walk – to get ‘out of the boat’ and become increasingly dependent on God. The alternative is settling into a rhythm of comfort and routine, one that lacks the active exercise of faith and the sense of anticipation and expectation that even nature has of the sons and daughters of God.

This past year has been a whirlwind of learning, information, adaptation, transition and change. From pastoring a local church to attending Heads of Department meetings, EIC staff gatherings, Missions staff sessions, risk management discussions and strategic planning – yes, lots of meetings! It has been fun, challenging, rewarding and, at times, frustrating. A year truly spent ‘out of the boat’.

I’ve set healthy objectives for myself and allowed space to learn what works and what doesn’t. For example, leading the Prayer for the Nations Zoom meeting from home at 7am on a Tuesday and then driving up to Malvern for the rest of the day doesn’t work for me! If I’m in the office that day, I need to be present from before the P4N Zoom.

One of my key priorities has been to visit our missionaries in the field. I haven’t yet visited all of them, but each time I return home I’m inspired afresh – by their hearts, the impact of their work, and the burning desire it gives me to champion them all the more.

What our missionaries are doing around the globe is Elim’s best-kept secret – and I’m determined to put an end to that! From short videos on our online platforms, updates on Elim Hub, monthly communications to Pound by Pound supporters, inputs to local Mission Champions/Ambassadors and more – we’re shouting it from the rooftops. Please do help spread the word!

As a former missionary myself (Rebeca, the family and I served in the Amazon jungle of Brazil for 13 years), I came into this role with personal experience. Still, I’m often surprised that many in our movement don’t realise Elim missionaries are self-financing – as is the entire Missions department. We are the outward expression of Elim’s heart for Mission, and I love that!

At this year’s Elim Leaders’ Summit, I was overwhelmed by the incredible generosity shown in the offering for Elim Missions. There’s such a strong sense that ‘this is a new day’ and that we must prepare for what God is about to do.

Over the last few months, a cry has been rising within me: “WE ARE ELIM!” It’s easy for missionaries to be out of sight and out of mind – seen as ‘those out there’. But the truth is they are our brothers and sisters in the faith. They are part of the same family, the same household. We are Elim, and so are they.

For me, it’s Galatians 6:10 in action: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

As a team, our heart is to come alongside our churches – to inspire and encourage them with stories of what God is doing through Elim across the globe. We want to help churches become more missional in heart and mindset, knowing this shift has a ripple effect: transforming the local church, the wider community, and beyond – from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth!

There’s a not-so-quiet revival unfolding – not only in the UK, but worldwide. It’s exciting to see how Limitless, our Youth movement, is engaging with Mission. Our young people and young adults are being stirred afresh, and this October we launch a new annual conference: Global God.

This September also marks the relaunch of the Missions Academy – a space for those in our movement who feel the call to go, or who want to take the next step in their journey into mission. Available both online and in person, it’s a place to explore God’s call.

I’m full of anticipation for all God is doing through Elim in the nations!

If you’d like to support this vital work, visit our website to learn more about Pound by Pound.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.