I know Gary likes to use the rugby metaphor of “with you.”

I want to suggest another one for this moment. You, we, are a global crew assembled to sail a vessel bearing a cargo of hope and help to places where money disturbs the peace and creates strife, and where fear destroys trust – and yet, where ignorance longs for knowledge.

For five years Gary, whom God has called to build this vessel from the keel up has been circling the globe testing, piloting, seeding gathering, and answering the essential questions: What crew? What message? What vessel? And, what destinations?

Today, we, this global crew assembled from the four points of the compass, are at our stations, the rigging is flexing, the charts are unfurled, the tide is rolling out and sails are filling with the breath of God.

As we launch, we affirm to always seek this wind of the Holy Spirit for it is the only sure way to our God-given destinations.

Now, the safety of the shore is fading into the distance, the horizon is just out there. All of us are leaning into our duties. Our investors, have joined in the risk, hoping for a good return and are with us.

A new world of mission from everywhere to everywhere awaits us — and we have our charge – God has called us to turn dependency into discipleship.

Hallelujah! The Glory is His!