The non-profit organization Mars One has set the lofty goal of establishing a human colony on Mars by 2027. They plan to send four pioneers as a test group and then to add another four volunteers every two years. They would have to be highly resourceful, since they will need to serve as the colony's chefs, farmers, doctors, and engineers. The most striking pre-requisite is the knowledge there are no return flights. Since a one-way trip takes seven months and costs a small fortune, the volunteers need to be willing to die on Mars.

Despite this obstacle, Mars One has had no problem attracting "highly educated people willing to die on another planet." There were more than 200,000 video applications. After much meticulous screening they were soon whittled down to 1,058, then 660, and now are at 100 ambitious visionaries.

One finalist, Leila Zucker, an emergency room physician, hopes to be as famous as Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. Dr. Zucker said, "We can't stay on this planet forever—I would argue. Let's go now." Other applicants enthusiastically view this mission as a way to unite humanity for one extraordinary, transcendent cause.

The Mars One web site advises: "Once on Mars, there are no means to return to Earth. Mars is home. A grounded, deep sense of purpose will help each astronaut maintain his or her psychological stability and focus as they work together toward a shared and better future."

Possible Preaching Angles: Commitment; Discipleship; Lordship of Christ; Mission—If people are willing to lay down their lives for a non-return trip to Mars, how much more should disciples of Christ be willing to follow him wherever he leads.