They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. This is fitting for some of our northern readers who go from harsh winter to gentle spring during the month. Of course, here in Texas, winter is long gone by March, but who’s checking.

I like this proverbial phrase and found it especially appropriate to mention in this issue, since it gives the picture that March goes through a formation process from the 1st to the 31st. Oh, that deep life change could happen in a month! Of course, God can transform us in a heartbeat, but the process of maturing into Christlikeness takes a lifetime for each of us.

Another reason to highlight this proverb is how accurately it describes the journey of most cross-cultural workers. We head to the field like lions ready to reach the lost and save the world, but, after a few years, we have gone through humbling fires and feel much more like the figurative lambs led to the slaughter. This all–too– common experience is highlighted in the articles you will read in this issue.

But before I go there, I want to point to one more glorious feature we are reminded of in the metaphors of this adage. Jesus is revealed in Scripture as both the Lion and the Lamb. In Rev 5:5, Jesus, the conquering Lion, is alone able to open the scroll, and in verse 6 and following, he is the “slaughtered lamb” worshipped by the host of heaven and worthy to receive all honor, praise, and glory. We live in this awesome reality. Life is found in Jesus alone and our formation into Christlikeness comes through abiding in him.

In this issue, we dive into formation at the edges of mission. The process of spiritual formation is the same whether we are in our home culture or across the world. Though the timing and experiences will vary, the call to be with Jesus in community in suffering leading to loving our neighbor is the same for all God’s children. Do you believe that? Read on …

The articles in this issue are authored by men and women from four continents. Both new believers and old, heads of international organizations and national believers, spiritual directors, PhDs, and high school graduates share their stories.

What would you emphasize in telling your story of spiritual formation? What does someone new in the faith emphasize versus someone in the second half of life? How does a former Buddhist who has contextualized his faith differ from an American who grew up in church? How does someone new to the field differ from a veteran of twenty years, and how do the lessons learned in those early years shape the spiritual life of that veteran? My guess is that some of these testimonies will surprise you, a couple may provoke you, others will neatly fit into your paradigm, and hopefully all of them will encourage you to dive deeper into Jesus.

But wait! What does this have to do with pioneer missions? If that question is arising in your heart, then this issue is a good one for you as well. Read on and see how the authors answer that question.

Lastly, let me close this column with a couple of notes. Chris Kang's article on page 27 may be uncomfortable for some of our readers. His practice is far from the Christian center. While the ideas in this issue may be different or even controversial, we value giving them a platform and encouraging conversation within your communities. Also, we are introducing a new feature in this issue we hope will become a favorite. On page 37 you will find a “Final Reflection.” This will be a poem or artwork aligned with the theme to spark your right brain as you pass the magazine to the next reader. Lastly, I want to apologize for the problems with our website. Know that we are working on it and will do our best to restore past MF issues.

Until all are reached and “conformed to the image of the Son,” Duke Dillard