The Wired Word for 07092025 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 07/09/2025 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article3.5c705a01b476.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 07/09/2025 - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: [#ChristianLiving, #FaithFormation, #MarsAnalogy] Author: The Wired Word Team Source: The Wired Word for the Week of July 13, 2025 Reference: [The Wired Word Newsletter](https://www.thewiredword.com) date created: 2025-07-13 09:45 --- # Title: Preparing for Mars — and Christian Life Beyond the Church Walls ## Table of Contents: - [📝 Summary](#📝-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#📖-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#🗒️-notes) - [📖 References](#📖-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#🗣️-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#📰-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#✅-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#🧪-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#📊-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#❓-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#🔮-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#💡-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#🧠-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#📊-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#🌍-deib-assessment) - [✅ Logical validity](#✅-logical-validity) - [🔍 DARVO Analysis Prompt](#🔍-darvo-analysis-prompt) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#🔍-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#🎯-conclusion) ## 📝 Summary: This Wired Word lesson draws an analogy between training at a Mars desert research station and the preparation Christians undergo within their church communities for life "outside the HAB." It emphasizes spiritual discipline, rhythms, and practices that sustain believers in challenging environments, paralleling the rigorous preparation for Mars missions. The lesson challenges readers to think about community support, mission work, and faith practices. ## 📖 Main Content: The article highlights the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, where volunteers live in a simulated Mars environment. They train rigorously through EVAs (extravehicular activities), teamwork, and resource conservation. Similarly, the church serves as a "Habitat" where believers train for life beyond its walls. Biblical passages from Genesis, Jeremiah, Luke, and 2 Timothy illustrate themes of faithfulness, preparedness, forgiveness, and mission. Discussion questions connect these ideas to contemporary Christian life, encouraging reflection on personal and communal practice. ## 🗒️ Notes - **Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS)** - Simulates Mars environment in Utah desert - Crews follow strict routines, live in isolation - EVAs simulate Mars walks - Emphasis on rhythm and survival skills - **Spiritual Training Analogy** - Church as "HAB," life outside as "EVA" - Worship practices prepare believers for real-world challenges - Passing peace, confession, welcoming strangers build practical faith skills - **Biblical Connections** - Genesis 12:1-2: Abram's call to an unknown future - Jeremiah 29:11: God’s plans for hope during exile - Luke 6:27-31: Love enemies, the Golden Rule - 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture equips for good works - **Discussion Themes** - Modern "exile" experiences - Daily rhythms sustaining faith - Church roles in social justice (e.g., food security) - Preparedness for future faith challenges ## 📖 References: - [CNBC coverage of MDRS](https://www.cnbc.com) - [Fox News article on MDRS](https://www.foxnews.com) - The Wired Word materials ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. **Mars Training & Rhythm**: "Life at MDRS requires strict routines to survive. Similarly, Christians must establish spiritual rhythms — like prayer, worship, and service — to maintain their faith in a challenging world." 2. **Church as Training Ground**: "Church life serves as a practice arena, shaping us to extend peace, forgiveness, and hospitality beyond the sanctuary, preparing us to thrive spiritually in often unfriendly environments." ## 📰 Newsletter: 👨‍🚀 **From Mars to Main Street: Preparing Your Faith for the Future** This week, The Wired Word draws a fascinating parallel between astronauts prepping for Mars and Christians training for life beyond Sunday services. At a Utah desert station, crews simulate Martian missions, learning rhythm and resilience — just like our weekly worship practices equip us to live faithfully in an often chaotic world. Are your spiritual "EVAs" fueling your mission? Dive into our new feature, reflect on your faith routines, and explore how your church can be your launchpad into a world that needs love, peace, and grace. [Full discussion guide and Bible references here →](https://www.thewiredword.com) ## ✅ Action Items: - Frame this article as an example of using analogies to teach faith resilience — a strategy valuable in WordPress onboarding and open-source contributor growth. - Incorporate the rhythm metaphor into workshops or talks to help new contributors understand consistent engagement. - Use parallels of training (Mars/Church) to highlight the importance of mentorship and practice in community contributions. - Emphasize the need for preparing communities for challenging "extravehicular" situations (e.g., conflicts, sustainability crises) — applicable to open-source governance. - Leverage this lesson to underscore your OSPO leadership aspirations: preparing contributors (like astronauts) for thriving in diverse environments. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: - Structured spiritual "training" increases engagement and resilience among believers. - Analogical teaching improves retention and application of complex spiritual and technical concepts. ### 📊 Methodology: - Use surveys to measure perceived resilience and engagement pre- and post-analogy-based teaching. - Compare groups receiving analogy-based instruction versus traditional linear instruction. ### ❓ Questions: - How do spiritual "EVAs" translate to daily community service? - Can analogies improve community onboarding in open-source projects? - What are the rhythms of open-source contribution that mirror spiritual practices? ### 🔮 Future Research: - Explore effects of analogy-based spiritual teaching on long-term faith adherence. - Study the psychological impact of rhythm establishment in spiritual and technical communities. ### 💡 Implications: - Could inform curriculum development for faith-based education and contributor training programs. - May guide the design of mentorship frameworks in open source and church contexts. ## 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: - **Visual**: No diagrams, could use flowcharts of faith rhythms. - **Aural**: No audio, recommend sermons or audio reflections. - **Verbal**: Strong descriptive text, but could add analogies and storytelling layers. - **Physical**: Lacks direct hands-on tasks; could incorporate action challenges. - **Logical**: Moderate — uses analogies, but could add data or structured frameworks. - **Social**: Discussion questions foster group learning. - **Solitary**: Reflection questions encourage personal introspection. - **Naturalistic**: References to nature (desert) but not deeply integrated. ## 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - No alt text described for images. - Text likely screen reader compatible; suggest confirming. - Could improve keyboard navigation if posted online. - Contrast and resizing not addressed — recommend testing for readability. ## 🌍 DEIB Assessment: - Inclusive language overall, but could add broader cultural perspectives. - Neurodiverse readers would benefit from more structured headings and concise sections. - Could include more diverse examples or testimonies. - Content fosters psychological safety with reflective questions. ## ✅ Logical validity: - **Strong reasoning**: Uses analogy effectively, consistent moral arguments. - **No major fallacies**: Avoids overgeneralization or false dilemmas. - **Tone**: Encouraging, reflective, and pastoral, promoting gentle challenge. ## 🔍 DARVO Analysis Prompt: - **Deny**: None present. - **Attack**: None present. - **Reverse Victim and Offender**: None present. - Overall: No DARVO tactics identified; tone remains supportive and invitational. ## 🔍 SEO Evaluation: - **Keywords**: Christian living, faith training, Mars analogy — well integrated. - **Meta description**: Recommend adding. - **Title tag**: Good, could be tightened for SEO. - **Headers**: Strong, clear. - **Content length**: In-depth. - **Internal/external links**: Suggest adding more internal church resource links. - **URL struc - Summary: A research facility in the Utah desert is preparing humans for life on Mars, giving people an opportunity to practice the research, science and engineering that will be required of astronauts on missions to the Red Planet. Dear Class Members, A research facility in the Utah desert is preparing humans for life on Mars, giving people an opportunity to practice the research, science and engineering that will be required of astronauts on missions to the Red Planet. In response to news of the Mars training facility, this installment of *The Wired Word* will focus on the challenge of preparing followers of Christ for life in the future. What we do inside the Christian community is training us for life outside the church, in what can be a harsh and challenging environment. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Desert Facility Prepares People for Future Life on Mars*****The Wired Word*** **for the Week of July 13, 2025** **In the News** A small research facility has been constructed in the canyons of the Utah desert, about 7 miles from the nearest town. Called the Mars Desert Research Station, or MDRS, it is run by a nonprofit organization called The Mars Society, and is designed to prepare humans for life on the Red Planet. "MDRS is the best analog astronaut environment," said Urban Koi to *CNBC*. "The terrain is extremely similar to the Mars terrain and the protocols, research, science and engineering that occurs here is very similar to what we would do if we were to travel to Mars." Koi served as health and safety officer for Crew 315 of MDRS. The MDRS has been in operation since 2001, reports *Fox News*, and the appearance of crew members in spacesuits in the desert has been a fascinating sight for many, including tourists in Hawaiian shirts. The station has completed 20 seasons, including nearly 300 missions. Most missions last two or three weeks, depending on the research being done and the crew's ability to stay. Crew 315, made up of 5 persons, spent two weeks living at the research station, following the same procedures they would on Mars. Describing a typical day, crew commander David Laude said to *CNBC*, "So we all gather around by 7 a.m. around a common table in the upper deck and we have breakfast. Around 8:00 we have our first meeting of the day where we plan out the day. And then in the morning, we usually have an EVA of two or three people and usually another one in the afternoon." EVA refers to extravehicular activity. In NASA jargon, EVAs mean spacewalks, when astronauts leave the pressurized space station and wear spacesuits to survive in space. In the MDRS world, an EVA is a walk in a special suit in the Utah desert. Said Michael Andrews, the engineer for Crew 315, "I think the most challenging thing about these analog missions is just getting into a rhythm. ... Although here the risk is lower, on Mars performing those daily tasks are what keeps us alive." *Fox News* described a typical EVA, conducted when the crew was made up of college students. "Every time we go out for EVAs, we plan well in advance, the night before, as to where we're going and map out the coordinates," crew commander Prakruti "Pari" Raghunarayan explained. "We make sure the suits are charged up because if you were actually on Mars and you didn't plan in advance, you would die." The goal of every EVA is to gather samples and data, and to explore the landscape of the simulated Red Planet. The suits themselves are similar to backpacks with a helmet attached. Air is pumped into the helmet to help with comfort, and to simulate what oxygen flow would be like on Mars. The packs weigh between 10 and 15 pounds, and can throw people off balance -- which will be a challenge on the Red Planet as well. To further prepare for life on Mars, the participants in the EVAs enter an airlock after they put on their suits. A 5-minute timer marks the time it would take to equalize pressure differences between an Earth-type atmosphere and a Martian environment. The crew members wear radio headsets that connect them to each other while they are on EVAs, as well as to crew members who are back at the building called the Habitat (HAB). Crew members on the EVAs also wear GPS trackers so that people at the HAB can track their coordinates. In addition to the HAB, which houses the crew and their supplies, the MDRS has two observatories, a science dome, a greenhouse and a maintenance bay. Crew members ride rovers -- named Curiosity and Opportunity -- across the Martian-like landscape. While on the EVA, they collect rock samples for study and take scans from the air. Sometimes they use a Geiger counter to measure radiation levels. Everything they do is designed to advance their scientific goals and research, in preparation for life on Mars. When *Fox News* visited, Crew 299 was a group from the University of Texas, Austin. "We have a variety of physicists, astronomers, and engineers on the crew, and essentially when you're applying to be an astronaut for NASA, those are some of the majors you need," explained commander Raghunarayan. Before their mission, the students prepared for two years, plotting out exactly what their scientific goals would be. Life inside the HAB requires strict planning and conservation of resources, including water and power, and a diet of dehydrated food. Most of them admitted that it was a shock to leave behind the comforts of modern life. While on a mission, crew members are isolated from the world, just as they would be on Mars. Crew biologist Noah Mugan grasped the value of the experience and said, "We are headed [to Mars], whether it's in the next 20 years or the next 200. I think we'll get there eventually. These types of experiments are very important to gauge what we can or can't do." Crew scientist Aravind Karthigeyan added, "It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime thing to do." Elon Musk, a Mars advocate and CEO of SpaceX, has said that his company can transport humans to Mars as early as 2029. More on this story can be found at these links: [Inside a Utah Desert Facility Preparing Humans for Life on Mars.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGHj-2B2dLMI8GjHt8EZUXiMvbFkbdXzugdfXi-2B9xwXT9A4Cxmpy0WV2KkswJ7SGWI4tq2bL-2B-2FRbBbrPJIHL-2BnpbOVH9JGAofXFT1Bic4dhQrepiQm_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoPxgPVNbqglBuM-2Fb44pPaI9z39022mfU8X-2FmPydui2jcx1ptrkSejifR41nRcVf6ZjO0gKrfi7GjoRqYfDdOeSFnA-2Ftx2FTlLMcuPcBBQlkcEZDEqoMK4HxEeIx8ky2-2FAVhH8Dk3l74-2BVpKT0OWEWUfgtlElvQ6HpwQuDgYGqEeTFyu4ut5vGX5f-2FohdHXEuP8EQGrqVysyMSXgi0jSpx6A-3D) [*CNBC*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGHj-2B2dLMI8GjHt8EZUXiMvbFkbdXzugdfXi-2B9xwXT9A4Cxmpy0WV2KkswJ7SGWI4tq2bL-2B-2FRbBbrPJIHL-2BnpbOVH9JGAofXFT1Bic4dhQrednuD_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoDzT1S0e9xH5yIu1qgHfkDfNPAvHHcwzKMxZn148xvVWiDfLE6SDnLZ1yjBInEDU58ziYLyvxuJqXeIh-2BYhO5CFfuqYJmTvn8-2BFNbRFFGatgPpCzLSZWWKf7zi7o-2BhYgxH2-2BGhUSJ9QxcDm1Q38lOexD3zp22dxQPaX1WT2EgWxBNllUVIP0bMgSkJT-2FxAbUCDtJShKESFH6VefuiIcaiz0-3D) [A Look Inside -- and Outside -- the Mars Desert Research Station in Southern Utah.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJP1OMjJhvApVnGoIZ2KB3Nz02bgzvqelBeJm60YmWk1vFKly0jkslxhRpY4GWvNBAqM-2BBwm4rGaYndeAHDRKYURP8jjz9uG-2Bxi5HVN1lLycYNSALKQb8U6GCUQii-2FkbIUthl4EPdXhYWA00XZYmYgjoOZkAvlx0Ps3Jc-2Bfvm3r1F-7z_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoJEKHuRgzIYbuByj7ZSo3XKvK0OtRyo5tUziwkMhQzInvXfokmny2a3ktHo5YRXIndUaXk48XY0Z3LaQzwZvB435zW0DBOj4AWJ0Lk2fQsgZFCR71HMBqMphUa-2BEJ9k0ClA9XJXXofgH0v92xIkyKQEv8uD8544ZV8CAz5NfnUE7lY-2FCYTTTEV5y16BJQL4DmxMOgAW3oIGrGRdWO-2BH2PR0-3D) [*Fox News*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJP1OMjJhvApVnGoIZ2KB3Nz02bgzvqelBeJm60YmWk1vFKly0jkslxhRpY4GWvNBAqM-2BBwm4rGaYndeAHDRKYURP8jjz9uG-2Bxi5HVN1lLycYNSALKQb8U6GCUQii-2FkbIUthl4EPdXhYWA00XZYmYgjoOZkAvlx0Ps3Jc-2Bfvm3r1So8m_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoJd9Py3zkk5vE4NOzszn1s-2Fp6-2FVNk4p2-2FBLGzZq2d4MRmxFs7ZZGjSCxyLE6BUAMz6M80iatNLYQgLHP6b7K1LwfJSaxy-2Fzvh3XzGkPV1XEKRLu1mfHXeCDsAVaFNatK-2BMgv34-2FuQe7qIfsFjgXq7OC-2BYgBUWACJZmhUzslOE-2BwymvmGSFZs-2Fko5qO5R2JGLEBPuDXSq5i9JQ89PdUo7AtA-3D) **Applying the News Story** Discuss how you and your church can better prepare followers of Christ for life in the future. This training is done in a variety of ways. "For example," says TWW Team Member Henry Brinton, "we pass the peace in church so that we can extend peace to people we meet each day. We confess our sins and receive forgiveness, so that we will know how to admit our failures to others, and extend forgiveness to those who hurt us. We welcome strangers in church so that we will know how to welcome strangers in the community. Every week, what we do *inside* the church is training for life *outside* the Christian community, in what can be a harsh and challenging environment." **The Big Questions** 1. What do you consider to be the biggest challenge for Christians in the world today? 2. How does your church prepare you for practicing your faith outside the Christian community? 3. At the Mars training facility, engineer Michael Andrews spoke of the importance of "getting into a rhythm." He said that performing certain daily tasks is "what keeps us alive." What are the rhythms and tasks of Christian life that keep you alive in the faith? Be specific. 4. What are the portions of your weekly worship service that strengthen, inspire and guide you? How do you carry that strength, inspiration and guidance into the world? 5. Crew members at MDRS are preparing for future challenges. What do you consider to be the challenges of Christian living in the future? How are you and your church preparing to face them? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Genesis 12:1-2***Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing."* (For context, read [Genesis 12:1-10](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxdxvwvUIbrGNsYJ-2B9LkHJNX8bM-2BtGKAfYNquJsvdYPq3092tHmjmdhv4aOpd-2BUdJLHoK4_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoKm2n-2F6Xph-2BDzeUdgK0b2UC05FbgSJWjXYbFT4cVO0jLy8jHi9hnE5XcYqu67nxcxEmQG21xsZWlvaDPxBsflYMVMyhAIesbluhzdcCoAmcy3eYn4Z-2BKT7BEl6WZVJMCJFJ66M-2F496PnNVZdAPwplu6e4lp-2BEn-2BwKrfGAQtbJ18uj9IIv2-2B6MIXRkNdsiG75riNJ07GRnTI7pQR8ZXOLFnw-3D).) The book of Genesis is all about beginnings (the word Genesis means "origin"), and chapter 12 is the beginning of God's relationship with Abram, later called Abraham. The first verses are known as the call of Abraham, and they include God's command for Abram to migrate from Haran to a new place. God promises to make of him "a great nation," and says that he will bless Abram so that he "will be a blessing." Abram accepts the challenge and walks into an unknown future, along with members of his family. They travel to Shechem in the land of Canaan, where God says, "To your offspring I will give this land." There, Abram builds "an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him" (v. 7). Then he moves to a place near Bethel and Ai, and again builds an altar to the Lord. Next, he journeys toward the Negeb, and eventually to Egypt, "to reside there as an alien" (v. 10). > **Questions:** What inspired Abram to walk into an unknown future? When, if ever, have you taken such a step, and what happened? Why are we blessed by God in order to "be a blessing" to others, and what does this look like? How does the story of Abram's migration and his life as an alien in Egypt shape your response to immigrants in America? **Jeremiah 29:11***For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.* (For context, read [Jeremiah 29:10-14](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxJvgik996U85rhX2pdLmiu3EphhlFn8TC7CMjuSdXoS6jaBD-2FXJpVgRVPwGDkthnnH2hS_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoLDZ8V-2BFRDhUzTuQ60LA9udCWwBJ50K6ybF-2FdlKEUQzGyJ-2FMpaeWXHBS-2F-2FpJMkEzq4okKoDTN35P8fQNSKfynfMiO-2FTQMHimfcNYI8Tw2vJooFPjTbSXB853NcbnlBjYWvQCbTu3QwF6ZXoUmEgG-2F0rK7-2BW3lpZ8lQniNS8dntT2qoSb2Ded9vBpTZH1-2F5pMTh9HcFNJPYmPqG3FtFvoIsk-3D).) The prophet Jeremiah called the people of Israel to repent from their unfaithfulness, and announced judgment because they had broken their covenant with God. He prepared the people for exile in Babylon, but also anticipated that they would return and that God would make a new covenant with them. Chapter 29 begins with a letter from Jeremiah to the people, instructing them to be realistic and recognize that their time in exile will not end soon. He offers them the word of the Lord: "Only when Babylon's seventy years are completed will I visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place [Jerusalem]" (v. 10). But God assures them that he has not abandoned them, reminding them of his "plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." God wants them to know that they will prosper even while they are in exile, and will have "a future with hope." When the people pray, God will hear them. When they search for him, they will find him. In the end, God will restore their fortunes, and bring them back to the place from which God sent them "into exile" (v. 14). > **Questions:** When does modern life seem like a time of exile to you? How do you experience God's "plans for your welfare and not for harm"? What happens when you pray to God and search for him? How can the church help you with this? What does it mean to you to be given "a future with hope"? **Luke 6:27-31***[Jesus said] "But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. Do to others as you would have them do to you."* (For context, read [Luke 6:27-38.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxqjVjSpGMuwxJahigqudo5AQD3kD-2FJ0B0-2BmYzJpOrppAOIYOoVBi4tEerXdeZ55bYGJIf_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoMxdIAriIs3LB9ODSGFeCgIXYZz-2BioyANDfb0TnZuEnCCt07UwuIlrdY6-2BNhyQRJOSsZPwD8-2F5z3IBuONcYURW-2F3G23-2FWj2KzWOyQaL0xRtj7M4ubMj-2FELiU5xWRZ0cuAsTJkagLN0Of-2B65lQH-2FO9xLD0DO5P0TSI5SG-2Bv93v89ptiwko-2FmllekuAJPobsMHbCJIC5R-2BcfuNzJTXYyJ5dmo-3D)) The gospel according to Luke is part of a two-volume work, with the second book being the Acts of the Apostles. Luke's gospel tells the story of Jesus, while Acts tells the story of the first followers of Christ, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Both contain powerful teachings for Christian living. In Luke 6, Jesus offers the Sermon on the Plain, and stresses that his followers should engage the world in a countercultural way by loving their enemies, doing good to those who hate them, blessing those who curse them, and praying for those who mistreat them. In words that have come to be known as the Golden Rule, Jesus says, "Do to others as you would have them to to you." Jesus calls his followers to a distinctive way of life, and promises them that "the measure you give will be the measure you get back" (v. 38). > **Questions:** When have you been challenged to love an enemy or pray for a person who has mistreated you? What was the outcome? Why do you think Jesus challenges his followers to engage the world in such an unexpected way? How is God's mercy supposed to be reflected in our mercy? **2 Timothy 3:16-17***All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.* (No context needed.) Paul begins his second letter to Timothy, his "beloved child" (1:2), by giving thanks for the young man's Christian faith, which came to him from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. He reminds his younger colleague that "God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline" (1:7). In chapter 3, Paul prepares Timothy for the future, saying that "in the last days distressing times will come" (v. 1). He lists a number of vices that should be avoided, and tells his own story of struggle, concluding with the words, "What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them" (v. 11). He reminds Timothy that persecution will come to all faithful people, and concludes with a reminder that all scripture is inspired by God and "useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work." > **Questions:** What does your church do to strengthen you to face an uncertain future? Where do you receive power to act with love and self-discipline? How does scripture train you in righteousness and equip you for good works? Be specific. **For Further Discussion** 1. TWW Team Member Mary Sells reports that [food pantries are worried about cuts to SNAP](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHEM0uyxgvNFN3m9xhMhN056RQAzE3Noww6-2FUQEI2UcFUXJ0zVh2P1t6X028r4smDO1vaeu7zyUMSVVh5AKkYuioSrA9gwHWFWgRuJqg5pGZLxBDbFN9Mp4XqkaiF1a1U5roLvkOUZpuBIlEMG5sAnO-2BaSQ9OeJM9Y2pficaczNnUx2j_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoMy220nivqcAgCkIlUiAQ3q77EqbAsFLL1uwml0InGakoaWFL-2F7i-2B2orsoeZStH4OpA7KP3OqCYaj-2B1YjRLbOD9Xc-2B9rdId-2FXVKQTtg7CxEl7HZQ-2BbByZTflBFh6nkh7674T-2BPJYVxY9mXHQRbg9hzh7yzuiGEa0fQyFi4wnPXMqXigJeFNDClvxGDUMuS8Fz817AOKI6R62NejwUThXxRg-3D) (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). In one Michigan community, participants recently "filled two cars with food items for the food pantry at First Presbyterian Church of Lansing down the road. ... But with the need organizers see at the food pantry, coupled with federal plans to cut food assistance programming for 1.5 million Michiganders, they worry how food pantries are going to be able to bridge the hunger gap." In the future, after federal cuts, how will your church help to bridge the hunger gap, if at all? What is the role of churches in providing food to needy people? What is the role of local, state and federal governments? How can you be involved as a Christian and a citizen? 2. Practice makes perfect, whether you are training for life on Mars or in your local community. What do you do to practice your Christian faith, in a day-to-day way? How does your church train children, youths and adults to put their beliefs into action? 3. The [devastating floods in Texas](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPFsQvR5G0nPG8MYr-2B-2BsE93i6Wi-2B9mLMWMjusJ5Q8HgOKafKHmkmrQh1-2BpFGMTi0SF0fvrVectsA7lXx8dj6u6mI-3DQ985_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoPbAaof6NiIdYxu6A6c1BQkAAyY1ub1tC-2BTQ0DiE3U7iOUtKUKrbrRybEVVZWg-2BiDWHXBuvalF-2F73DxtSZArOx5XRARqRMhY1PspU2WSXZOYP-2Bj5zzMLMJLWCQpFNrO0sER0f8Yhv5QvgPVA2UKZType5qGPutPvcbiRu-2BZad35m8-2BKY-2BNJchTWV-2BFnukwK9tHt6-2FthO-2FPsXLSPlykGV3iU-3D), with dead and missing children, have impacted us all. TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus asks, "What do we do when the normal patterns of life are blown to shreds by catastrophe? How does our Christian faith prepare us for such disasters, if at all?" Discuss. 4. At the Mars research facility, the HAB houses the crew and their supplies. From the HAB, the crew members go out on extravehicular activities known as EVAs. Mission is done on EVAs, supported by the HAB. If your church is your HAB, what kind of support should it be giving individuals and small groups? If mission to the community is your EVA, what was the last EVA you performed? What were its goals? Was it successful? What kinds of EVAs do you feel called to do in the future? **Responding to the News** Keep the image of the Mars research facility in your mind as you think about the mission of the church, and your role in it. Make an effort this week to practice your faith in the community by loving your enemies, praying for those who have mistreated you, feeding the hungry, practicing righteousness in the workplace, welcoming a stranger, or raising a concern to an elected leader. **Prayer** Help us, Lord, to practice our faith in an often harsh and challenging world. May we trust you as we walk into an uncertain future, equipped for every good work by the words of scripture and the guidance of your Son Jesus Christ. We pray all this in his name. Amen. ****Copyright 2025 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=CE8_8hskJd0nd6EdHGyZRh6ADGWHxFzx50Slm_HdmntoMDAwdTAwMFmDLQSMPiy5ezeiYIR1OqMly87pIcC56OpUKj9yW1dS5KzKcSbW6lIoZ9pghZar3Obi6FRfrbXM_gScet_3jwv57qyvcujGJmeyMtQ3HaX1i7-yVyDncRynbBd1dJKPLtMdSkNuXeO3CgT1R-qkENjfxv18ZfEtfMI0gkwsE2iXlIeyJtO6ZnMq7w1cqf0Wi3p6YDNv67Y2Ti79_jIczYs8GsN7n3CSCiTIrYynHWcnnNbNVuUNTFS23BSO0gfArymF4XT6k1gOABQoDuLXoIyFya2o8kzWyIZkCjpblz70FLV9gtN2HM7eKtEPGb3gwjybQgXBbT3iY5uBMvkHWgiGt5AEoyj2bK7PLIEdMjMx4vyd0Yat0uz3SrErHWzQ_974voXArINJLJfq63_hW1Jv5vivOo7ZK1QQNR8KOmgT4fXjEPjhx9oZGHDZOcLw2fF-lHos5r16fIJAPu14tTD42cmHXXVUCXYfeoURPGhD148j5-xfiKhjuwK6nzjJM-VaJRpysxDk9TsA_gnAV1uqptFYHDsMxL4K_VmxbBfhO3iA5l80iZOhtW_zjEyuJJKEJKsT6GQuJF4DiyxeA7bcY6pTY8jYwYLrVzU30NbK) <div>Dear Class Members, <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in 0in 8.0pt 0in; background: white;"> A research facility in the Utah desert is preparing humans for life on Mars, giving people an opportunity to practice the research, science and engineering that will be required of astronauts on missions to the Red Planet. In response to news of the Mars training facility, this installment of The Wired Word will focus on the challenge of preparing followers of Christ for life in the future. What we do inside the Christian community is training us for life outside the church, in what can be a harsh and challenging environment. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in 0in 8.0pt 0in; background: white;"> </div> Desert Facility Prepares People for Future Life on Mars The Wired Word for the Week of July 13, 2025 In the News <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border-bottom: windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: windowtext 1.0pt; border-style: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; background: white;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">A small research facility has been constructed in the canyons of the Utah desert, about 7 miles from the nearest town. Called the Mars Desert Research Station, or MDRS, it is run by a nonprofit organization called The Mars Society, and is designed to prepare humans for life on the Red Planet. <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">"MDRS is the best analog astronaut environment," said Urban Koi to CNBC. "The terrain is extremely similar to the Mars terrain and the protocols, research, science and engineering that occurs here is very similar to what we would do if we were to travel to Mars." Koi served as health and safety officer for Crew 315 of MDRS. <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">The MDRS has been in operation since 2001, reports Fox News, and the appearance of crew members in spacesuits in the desert has been a fascinating sight for many, including tourists in Hawaiian shirts. The station has completed 20 seasons, including nearly 300 missions. Most missions last two or three weeks, depending on the research being done and the crew's ability to stay. <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">Crew 315, made up of 5 persons, spent two weeks living at the research station, following the same procedures they would on Mars. Describing a typical day, crew commander David Laude said to CNBC, "So we all gather around by 7 a.m. around a common table in the upper deck and we have breakfast. Around 8:00 we have our first meeting of the day where we plan out the day. And then in the morning, we usually have an EVA of two or three people and usually another one in the afternoon." EVA refers to extravehicular activity. <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">In NASA jargon, EVAs mean spacewalks, when astronauts leave the pressurized space station and wear spacesuits to survive in space. In the MDRS world, an EVA is a walk in a special suit in the Utah desert. Said Michael Andrews, the engineer for Crew 315, "I think the most challenging thing about these analog missions is just getting into a rhythm. ... Although here the risk is lower, on Mars performing those daily tasks are what keeps us alive." <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">Fox News described a typical EVA, conducted when the crew was made up of college students. "Every time we go out for EVAs, we plan well in advance, the night before, as to where we're going and map out the coordinates," crew commander Prakruti "Pari" Raghunarayan explained. "We make sure the suits are charged up because if you were actually on Mars and you didn't plan in advance, you would die." The goal of every EVA is to gather samples and data, and to explore the landscape of the simulated Red Planet. <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">The suits themselves are similar to backpacks with a helmet attached. Air is pumped into the helmet to help with comfort, and to simulate what oxygen flow would be like on Mars. The packs weigh between 10 and 15 pounds, and can throw people off balance -- which will be a challenge on the Red Planet as well. To further prepare for life on Mars, the participants in the EVAs enter an airlock after they put on their suits. A 5-minute timer marks the time it would take to equalize pressure differences between an Earth-type atmosphere and a Martian environment. <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">The crew members wear radio headsets that connect them to each other while they are on EVAs, as well as to crew members who are back at the building called the Habitat (HAB). Crew members on the EVAs also wear GPS trackers so that people at the HAB can track their coordinates. In addition to the HAB, which houses the crew and their supplies, the MDRS has two observatories, a science dome, a greenhouse and a maintenance bay. <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">Crew members ride rovers -- named Curiosity and Opportunity -- across the Martian-like landscape. While on the EVA, they collect rock samples for study and take scans from the air. Sometimes they use a Geiger counter to measure radiation levels. Everything they do is designed to advance their scientific goals and research, in preparation for life on Mars. <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">When Fox News visited, Crew 299 was a group from the University of Texas, Austin. "We have a variety of physicists, astronomers, and engineers on the crew, and essentially when you're applying to be an astronaut for NASA, those are some of the majors you need," explained commander Raghunarayan. <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">Before their mission, the students prepared for two years, plotting out exactly what their scientific goals would be. Life inside the HAB requires strict planning and conservation of resources, including water and power, and a diet of dehydrated food. Most of them admitted that it was a shock to leave behind the comforts of modern life. While on a mission, crew members are isolated from the world, just as they would be on Mars. <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">Crew biologist Noah Mugan grasped the value of the experience and said, "We are headed [to Mars], whether it's in the next 20 years or the next 200. I think we'll get there eventually. These types of experiments are very important to gauge what we can or can't do." Crew scientist Aravind Karthigeyan added, "It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime thing to do." <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-border-right-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 15.0pt 8.0pt 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">Elon Musk, a Mars advocate and CEO of SpaceX, has said that his company can transport humans to Mars as early as 2029. </div> More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGHj-2B2dLMI8GjHt8EZUXiMvbFkbdXzugdfXi-2B9xwXT9A4Cxmpy0WV2KkswJ7SGWI4tq2bL-2B-2FRbBbrPJIHL-2BnpbOVH9JGAofXFT1Bic4dhQrepiQm\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoPxgPVNbqglBuM-2Fb44pPaI9z39022mfU8X-2FmPydui2jcx1ptrkSejifR41nRcVf6ZjO0gKrfi7GjoRqYfDdOeSFnA-2Ftx2FTlLMcuPcBBQlkcEZDEqoMK4HxEeIx8ky2-2FAVhH8Dk3l74-2BVpKT0OWEWUfgtlElvQ6HpwQuDgYGqEeTFyu4ut5vGX5f-2FohdHXEuP8EQGrqVysyMSXgi0jSpx6A-3D">Inside a Utah Desert Facility Preparing Humans for Life on Mars. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGHj-2B2dLMI8GjHt8EZUXiMvbFkbdXzugdfXi-2B9xwXT9A4Cxmpy0WV2KkswJ7SGWI4tq2bL-2B-2FRbBbrPJIHL-2BnpbOVH9JGAofXFT1Bic4dhQrednuD\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoDzT1S0e9xH5yIu1qgHfkDfNPAvHHcwzKMxZn148xvVWiDfLE6SDnLZ1yjBInEDU58ziYLyvxuJqXeIh-2BYhO5CFfuqYJmTvn8-2BFNbRFFGatgPpCzLSZWWKf7zi7o-2BhYgxH2-2BGhUSJ9QxcDm1Q38lOexD3zp22dxQPaX1WT2EgWxBNllUVIP0bMgSkJT-2FxAbUCDtJShKESFH6VefuiIcaiz0-3D">CNBC</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJP1OMjJhvApVnGoIZ2KB3Nz02bgzvqelBeJm60YmWk1vFKly0jkslxhRpY4GWvNBAqM-2BBwm4rGaYndeAHDRKYURP8jjz9uG-2Bxi5HVN1lLycYNSALKQb8U6GCUQii-2FkbIUthl4EPdXhYWA00XZYmYgjoOZkAvlx0Ps3Jc-2Bfvm3r1F-7z\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoJEKHuRgzIYbuByj7ZSo3XKvK0OtRyo5tUziwkMhQzInvXfokmny2a3ktHo5YRXIndUaXk48XY0Z3LaQzwZvB435zW0DBOj4AWJ0Lk2fQsgZFCR71HMBqMphUa-2BEJ9k0ClA9XJXXofgH0v92xIkyKQEv8uD8544ZV8CAz5NfnUE7lY-2FCYTTTEV5y16BJQL4DmxMOgAW3oIGrGRdWO-2BH2PR0-3D">A Look Inside -- and Outside -- the Mars Desert Research Station in Southern Utah. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJP1OMjJhvApVnGoIZ2KB3Nz02bgzvqelBeJm60YmWk1vFKly0jkslxhRpY4GWvNBAqM-2BBwm4rGaYndeAHDRKYURP8jjz9uG-2Bxi5HVN1lLycYNSALKQb8U6GCUQii-2FkbIUthl4EPdXhYWA00XZYmYgjoOZkAvlx0Ps3Jc-2Bfvm3r1So8m\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoJd9Py3zkk5vE4NOzszn1s-2Fp6-2FVNk4p2-2FBLGzZq2d4MRmxFs7ZZGjSCxyLE6BUAMz6M80iatNLYQgLHP6b7K1LwfJSaxy-2Fzvh3XzGkPV1XEKRLu1mfHXeCDsAVaFNatK-2BMgv34-2FuQe7qIfsFjgXq7OC-2BYgBUWACJZmhUzslOE-2BwymvmGSFZs-2Fko5qO5R2JGLEBPuDXSq5i9JQ89PdUo7AtA-3D">Fox News</a> Applying the News Story <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in 0in 8.0pt 0in; background: white;"> Discuss how you and your church can better prepare followers of Christ for life in the future. This training is done in a variety of ways. "For example," says TWW Team Member Henry Brinton, "we pass the peace in church so that we can extend peace to people we meet each day. We confess our sins and receive forgiveness, so that we will know how to admit our failures to others, and extend forgiveness to those who hurt us. We welcome strangers in church so that we will know how to welcome strangers in the community. Every week, what we do inside the church is training for life outside the Christian community, in what can be a harsh and challenging environment." The Big Questions </div> 1. What do you consider to be the biggest challenge for Christians in the world today? 2. How does your church prepare you for practicing your faith outside the Christian community? 3. At the Mars training facility, engineer Michael Andrews spoke of the importance of "getting into a rhythm." He said that performing certain daily tasks is "what keeps us alive." What are the rhythms and tasks of Christian life that keep you alive in the faith? Be specific. 4. What are the portions of your weekly worship service that strengthen, inspire and guide you? How do you carry that strength, inspiration and guidance into the world? 5. Crew members at MDRS are preparing for future challenges. What do you consider to be the challenges of Christian living in the future? How are you and your church preparing to face them? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Genesis 12:1-2 Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxdxvwvUIbrGNsYJ-2B9LkHJNX8bM-2BtGKAfYNquJsvdYPq3092tHmjmdhv4aOpd-2BUdJLHoK4\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoKm2n-2F6Xph-2BDzeUdgK0b2UC05FbgSJWjXYbFT4cVO0jLy8jHi9hnE5XcYqu67nxcxEmQG21xsZWlvaDPxBsflYMVMyhAIesbluhzdcCoAmcy3eYn4Z-2BKT7BEl6WZVJMCJFJ66M-2F496PnNVZdAPwplu6e4lp-2BEn-2BwKrfGAQtbJ18uj9IIv2-2B6MIXRkNdsiG75riNJ07GRnTI7pQR8ZXOLFnw-3D">Genesis 12:1-10</a>.) The book of Genesis is all about beginnings (the word Genesis means "origin"), and chapter 12 is the beginning of God's relationship with Abram, later called Abraham. The first verses are known as the call of Abraham, and they include God's command for Abram to migrate from Haran to a new place. God promises to make of him "a great nation," and says that he will bless Abram so that he "will be a blessing." Abram accepts the challenge and walks into an unknown future, along with members of his family. They travel to Shechem in the land of Canaan, where God says, "To your offspring I will give this land." There, Abram builds "an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him" (v. 7). Then he moves to a place near Bethel and Ai, and again builds an altar to the Lord. Next, he journeys toward the Negeb, and eventually to Egypt, "to reside there as an alien" (v. 10). <blockquote> Questions: What inspired Abram to walk into an unknown future? When, if ever, have you taken such a step, and what happened? Why are we blessed by God in order to "be a blessing" to others, and what does this look like? How does the story of Abram's migration and his life as an alien in Egypt shape your response to immigrants in America? </blockquote> Jeremiah 29:11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxJvgik996U85rhX2pdLmiu3EphhlFn8TC7CMjuSdXoS6jaBD-2FXJpVgRVPwGDkthnnH2hS\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoLDZ8V-2BFRDhUzTuQ60LA9udCWwBJ50K6ybF-2FdlKEUQzGyJ-2FMpaeWXHBS-2F-2FpJMkEzq4okKoDTN35P8fQNSKfynfMiO-2FTQMHimfcNYI8Tw2vJooFPjTbSXB853NcbnlBjYWvQCbTu3QwF6ZXoUmEgG-2F0rK7-2BW3lpZ8lQniNS8dntT2qoSb2Ded9vBpTZH1-2F5pMTh9HcFNJPYmPqG3FtFvoIsk-3D">Jeremiah 29:10-14</a>.) The prophet Jeremiah called the people of Israel to repent from their unfaithfulness, and announced judgment because they had broken their covenant with God. He prepared the people for exile in Babylon, but also anticipated that they would return and that God would make a new covenant with them. Chapter 29 begins with a letter from Jeremiah to the people, instructing them to be realistic and recognize that their time in exile will not end soon. He offers them the word of the Lord: "Only when Babylon's seventy years are completed will I visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place [Jerusalem]" (v. 10). But God assures them that he has not abandoned them, reminding them of his "plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." God wants them to know that they will prosper even while they are in exile, and will have "a future with hope." When the people pray, God will hear them. When they search for him, they will find him. In the end, God will restore their fortunes, and bring them back to the place from which God sent them "into exile" (v. 14). <blockquote> Questions: When does modern life seem like a time of exile to you? How do you experience God's "plans for your welfare and not for harm"? What happens when you pray to God and search for him? How can the church help you with this? What does it mean to you to be given "a future with hope"? </blockquote> Luke 6:27-31 [Jesus said] "But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. Do to others as you would have them do to you." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxqjVjSpGMuwxJahigqudo5AQD3kD-2FJ0B0-2BmYzJpOrppAOIYOoVBi4tEerXdeZ55bYGJIf\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoMxdIAriIs3LB9ODSGFeCgIXYZz-2BioyANDfb0TnZuEnCCt07UwuIlrdY6-2BNhyQRJOSsZPwD8-2F5z3IBuONcYURW-2F3G23-2FWj2KzWOyQaL0xRtj7M4ubMj-2FELiU5xWRZ0cuAsTJkagLN0Of-2B65lQH-2FO9xLD0DO5P0TSI5SG-2Bv93v89ptiwko-2FmllekuAJPobsMHbCJIC5R-2BcfuNzJTXYyJ5dmo-3D">Luke 6:27-38.</a>) The gospel according to Luke is part of a two-volume work, with the second book being the Acts of the Apostles. Luke's gospel tells the story of Jesus, while Acts tells the story of the first followers of Christ, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Both contain powerful teachings for Christian living. In Luke 6, Jesus offers the Sermon on the Plain, and stresses that his followers should engage the world in a countercultural way by loving their enemies, doing good to those who hate them, blessing those who curse them, and praying for those who mistreat them. In words that have come to be known as the Golden Rule, Jesus says, "Do to others as you would have them to to you." Jesus calls his followers to a distinctive way of life, and promises them that "the measure you give will be the measure you get back" (v. 38). <blockquote> Questions: When have you been challenged to love an enemy or pray for a person who has mistreated you? What was the outcome? Why do you think Jesus challenges his followers to engage the world in such an unexpected way? How is God's mercy supposed to be reflected in our mercy? </blockquote> 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. (No context needed.) Paul begins his second letter to Timothy, his "beloved child" (1:2), by giving thanks for the young man's Christian faith, which came to him from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. He reminds his younger colleague that "God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline" (1:7). In chapter 3, Paul prepares Timothy for the future, saying that "in the last days distressing times will come" (v. 1). He lists a number of vices that should be avoided, and tells his own story of struggle, concluding with the words, "What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them" (v. 11). He reminds Timothy that persecution will come to all faithful people, and concludes with a reminder that all scripture is inspired by God and "useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work." <blockquote> Questions: What does your church do to strengthen you to face an uncertain future? Where do you receive power to act with love and self-discipline? How does scripture train you in righteousness and equip you for good works? Be specific. </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. TWW Team Member Mary Sells reports that <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHEM0uyxgvNFN3m9xhMhN056RQAzE3Noww6-2FUQEI2UcFUXJ0zVh2P1t6X028r4smDO1vaeu7zyUMSVVh5AKkYuioSrA9gwHWFWgRuJqg5pGZLxBDbFN9Mp4XqkaiF1a1U5roLvkOUZpuBIlEMG5sAnO-2BaSQ9OeJM9Y2pficaczNnUx2j\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoMy220nivqcAgCkIlUiAQ3q77EqbAsFLL1uwml0InGakoaWFL-2F7i-2B2orsoeZStH4OpA7KP3OqCYaj-2B1YjRLbOD9Xc-2B9rdId-2FXVKQTtg7CxEl7HZQ-2BbByZTflBFh6nkh7674T-2BPJYVxY9mXHQRbg9hzh7yzuiGEa0fQyFi4wnPXMqXigJeFNDClvxGDUMuS8Fz817AOKI6R62NejwUThXxRg-3D">food pantries are worried about cuts to SNAP</a> (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). In one Michigan community, participants recently "filled two cars with food items for the food pantry at First Presbyterian Church of Lansing down the road. ... But with the need organizers see at the food pantry, coupled with federal plans to cut food assistance programming for 1.5 million Michiganders, they worry how food pantries are going to be able to bridge the hunger gap." In the future, after federal cuts, how will your church help to bridge the hunger gap, if at all? What is the role of churches in providing food to needy people? What is the role of local, state and federal governments? How can you be involved as a Christian and a citizen? 2. Practice makes perfect, whether you are training for life on Mars or in your local community. What do you do to practice your Christian faith, in a day-to-day way? How does your church train children, youths and adults to put their beliefs into action? 3. The <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPFsQvR5G0nPG8MYr-2B-2BsE93i6Wi-2B9mLMWMjusJ5Q8HgOKafKHmkmrQh1-2BpFGMTi0SF0fvrVectsA7lXx8dj6u6mI-3DQ985\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUbBpRmcjNW33ed-2BxW6u3l27k0KY99deSxINA0HqltSbJzQ1y04XHCrmBiF-2F4GFGoPbAaof6NiIdYxu6A6c1BQkAAyY1ub1tC-2BTQ0DiE3U7iOUtKUKrbrRybEVVZWg-2BiDWHXBuvalF-2F73DxtSZArOx5XRARqRMhY1PspU2WSXZOYP-2Bj5zzMLMJLWCQpFNrO0sER0f8Yhv5QvgPVA2UKZType5qGPutPvcbiRu-2BZad35m8-2BKY-2BNJchTWV-2BFnukwK9tHt6-2FthO-2FPsXLSPlykGV3iU-3D">devastating floods in Texas</a>, with dead and missing children, have impacted us all. TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus asks, "What do we do when the normal patterns of life are blown to shreds by catastrophe? How does our Christian faith prepare us for such disasters, if at all?" Discuss. 4. At the Mars research facility, the HAB houses the crew and their supplies. From the HAB, the crew members go out on extravehicular activities known as EVAs. Mission is done on EVAs, supported by the HAB. If your church is your HAB, what kind of support should it be giving individuals and small groups? If mission to the community is your EVA, what was the last EVA you performed? What were its goals? Was it successful? What kinds of EVAs do you feel called to do in the future? Responding to the News Keep the image of the Mars research facility in your mind as you think about the mission of the church, and your role in it. Make an effort this week to practice your faith in the community by loving your enemies, praying for those who have mistreated you, feeding the hungry, practicing righteousness in the workplace, welcoming a stranger, or raising a concern to an elected leader. Prayer Help us, Lord, to practice our faith in an often harsh and challenging world. May we trust you as we walk into an uncertain future, equipped for every good work by the words of scripture and the guidance of your Son Jesus Christ. We pray all this in his name. Amen. 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