Often, when I think of the word ‘mission’, I recall Jesus sending out the twelve and the events in Acts. Yet, from time to time, I linger on the image of Moses during his time in the desert.
Born as a Hebrew during pharaoh’s persecution, Moses was saved from a certain death when he was adopted by the pharaoh’s daughter. Being raised in the high courts of Egypt as part of the royal family with vast resources at his disposal, the scene appeared to have been set for Moses to create system change – to right the injustice faced by his kinfolk, the Israelites. However, with one swift act, this prince became an “alien residing in a foreign land” (Exodus 2:22). Instead of leveraging the position afforded to Moses, he became an outlaw and fugitive in the desert. Yet, this was all part of God’s plan for His people and Moses. In the next thirteen chapters, God would display His Might through a series of miracles culminating in the liberation of the Hebrew people from slavery. Against this backdrop, we read of God’s love and care for Moses, and the intimate relationship they form. From the desert to the palace, God invites a meek Moses to the ‘mission’. God sends Aaron to aid Moses and strengthens his resolve all along the way. By the time pharaoh finally relented, we read of a very different Moses. Gone was the doubting figure; instead, we find a man of faith. Moses was transformed by God’s presence in his life, and the work that he was called to.
Again, I return to the image of Moses in the desert. The desert seems to bookend different seasons of Moses’ life. The initial fleeing into the desert may represent the laying low of the proud and mighty. The calling out of the desert may signify the restoration of Moses relationship with God and the rightful participation of within God’s designs. The re-entering of the desert may demonstrate the continual refinement of Moses as he continued to abide in God, not without fail, while furthering the mission.
The Montreal Mission Internship program, entering its fourth year, is a nine-week program for young Christians between the ages of 18 and 25 years old that gives them an opportunity to experience various moments of the desert. Participants will be placed in Christian ministries or not-for-profit organizations serving vulnerable communities across Montreal. Many will grapple with difficult circumstances, whether it be at a refugee residence or supporting at-risk youth or ministering to members of local congregations. Some participants may be laid low either by their preconceived ideas or outright mistakes. Many will see the limits of their own strength. Make no mistake, as one participant stated, “this program is not for the faint of heart – one should expect to be challenged. But it has helped me grow in ways that I would have never expected.”
Despite the challenges, there will also be moments of great joy. Our community will walk faithfully together with the Lord and gather weekly at the Montreal Diocesan Theological College to reflect on their experience. Supported by our team, participants may start recognizing God at work before, around, and within them. What’s more, they may begin sensing where they are invited and called to respond. Conversations around exploring one’s call lead to vocational discernment. As another participant recalled, “I loved that MMI offered an opportunity to learn about and practice discernment while also giving me chances to try new types of ministries related work for a short amount of time, helping me gain a greater sense of clarity for what I’m called to and would like to do.” It is our hope that participants may come away from the program, tempered and matured in Christ so that they may heed to God’s call on their life.
I invite you to share this opportunity with young people in your congregations and ministries.
Enrollment for the 2025 cohort is now open. Visit our website: montrealmission.ca for more information. This summer, we invite young Christians to join us in serving, reflecting, and discerning together. Participants receive a $5000 stipend for participation in the program. We also invite the church to pray with us in supporting the growth and maturation of the participants. May we all experience different moments in the desert knowing full well that the Good Sheppard will guide us through.
