Caleb Crider and Larry McCrary launched The Upstream Collective which is described as,
what’s it all about?
Serving as full-time Christian workers in Spain and Germany has taught us a lot. One thing we at The Upstream Collective have seen first-hand is that God’s work in Europe isn’t limited to one vocation. Rather, God is calling people from all professions and all kinds of churches to get involved in what He’s up to in Europe, whether that means being globally active from a physical distance or daring to jump the pond.
One of the ways they hoped to help support and encourage missionaries is to find those who may be doing missions differently. For example, Jonathan and Kari Masson met in Africa married and now live in Lyon, France. They continue to live as missionaries. While in Senegal they were part of a program of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Now they live as missionaries though not connected to what we refer to as a "mission sending" organization.
Caleb and Larry helped a small group of pastors and staff think differently about missionaries like the Massons during a meeting at Snow Hill. Churches really should be the "sending" organization even if financially supported by the International Mission Board or some other "sending" agency. After all, the mission of God was given to the Church not another entity. When young people choose to "go" they should do so knowing they will be supported and encouraged in a variety of ways. Apart from an agency this need tends to go unmet as our normal structures and patterns do not give space for what the Massons are doing.
We are grateful to Caleb and Larry for opening up an opportunity to think about ways we can support and encourage missionaries. Generally the first thought is, "We cannot afford to." Financial commitments are not the main issue for young people choosing to live out the mission of God in this way. It is to be tethered, or connected, with a group of people who will pray, send cards, care packages, and other things to help remind these young people God is and will use them in great ways in His work.
Jonathan begins medical school soon and his classes are in French. Pray God would prepare him after a summer without the rigors of using his French skills. Kari continues to work with several magazine. Pray God would continue to fuel her creativity. Pray that as they live life in Lyon they would through their hospitality and generosity open the way for relationships to develop and new friends to join them following and trusting Jesus.
Remember, you may keep up with the writing and photography of the Massons by clicking on the links in the left sidebar. Keep the Massons in your prayers.
