If we could shrink the world to the size of a village with 100 people and kept all proportions, then in that village there would be 59 Asians, 15 Africans, 12 Europeans, 9 Latin-Americans and people from the Caribbean, and 5 north Americans.

The richest in that village would own 65 times more than the 50 poorest combined together. 16 people in the village wouldn´t be able to read, count or write. A majority of the exposed and oppressed would be girls and women. 12 would be constantly chronically hungry. 12 would live in slums. 11 wouldn´t have access to pure water and over 30 wouldn´t have access to good sanitation. 35 would lack democratic freedom and rights.

Even if we always have to take statistics with a pinch of salt, it tells us something very important. Sometimes the injustices of the world end up being so far off and become so great that they are hard to take in.

But in the village things are different. There it is all about your and my neighbors. When we dare to take a really good look outside our neat and tidy boundaries, then and only then will we really perceive what we are called to do.

I want to finish my life here on earth with a smile on my face knowing that I did all I could to be a good husband, a great dad, an inspiring pastor, a fun friend but also as one who dared live the out and express my Christian faith by reaching out and touching lives. Helping in times of need and having the time to listen instead of stressing from one meeting to the next.

In Matthew 28 Jesus challenges His disciples and tells them to dare to look over their fences. To go out, leave their comfort zones and touch lives

I know it´s not always easy to find that healthy balance we all strive for, but at least we should try.

In a couple of weeks I will be taking a few weeks holiday from my everyday tasks as pastor. Time to read, think, enjoy and dream.

I look forward to a great autumn where God is going to do even greater things, but at the same time I have a real desire that God even during these weeks of being away will bring me into maybe more relaxed contact with people I can bless, encourage and influence in a positive way.

I encourage you also to have a good look over your fence and see what God wants to do through you.

Have a great summer!

/Mark