Letter From the Editor

Katie Hajenius

This year, as I thought about Expeditions, I thought about the macro-vision, the big picture. I thought about those who have gone before us, those who are living what we’re endeavoring to promote. I thought about where we fit into this big picture. I thought about the tears that have been sown, the prayers that have been prayed by so many, among so many generations. We comprise a component of this piece. We’re all linked together, and as we reflect and ponder this bigger idea that we’re a part of, it can give us courage and inspiration to forge ahead into the unknown--with the One who does know all that lies ahead in this amazing task yet to be finished.

I think you’ll enjoy the journal excerpts from the Martins as they spearheaded the prototype of team missions and “giving a year.” Through their entries we can get a glimpse of their adventure, success and struggles. I’ve also included some faith-building stories from students and campus missionaries who have taken the message and ministry around the planet. Let their stories stir and move you to step out as they have. Next, I’ve pulled some of my favorite quotes and inspirational words from famous and not-so- famous people for you to enjoy and reflect upon. I’ve also included prayers throughout the magazine. Will you join in with these prayers and believe God to move, heal, change and transform the peoples of this world? Let their prayers become our prayers. Let’s pray these with one heart--that the God of heaven would hear and respond as we unite in love and focus.

I have also included another article from the marketplace. I think it’s essential that we look down the road, past graduation, and see what’s possible. For many of us, the marketplace is where we’ll end up. Let’s look at it with a new lens—a lens of purpose and destiny. I’ve also included a timeline for missions training in this year’s magazine. Use it as a guide if you need it. My hope is that our preparation would be purposeful and that it would enable us to be that much more effective when we’re on the field. The last article that I want to highlight is by a former XA student who “gave a year” (actually two) and wanted to do more. But God told her to wait. I included her story because obedience has to be at the core of our decisions—not expectation, hype, pressure, or guilt … and in her story we see the struggle as she had to lay down her plans for His.

Lastly, as you read these stories, ponder these quotes, look upon the faces in the photos, pray the prayers and contemplate the opportunities, may we all see our part in God’s plan of love and redemption. Let us not cast this aside as some program that we do, but let its message get inside of us as we each do our part. I exhort you on behalf of those who have gone before you and those who are waiting to experience the gift of grace: take the baton.