Monday, November 7, 2011

Will you come and follow Me?

11/5/11

A fairly new hymn that we sing begins, "Will you come and follow Me if I but call your name?"  It has become one of my favorites.  It speaks of answering God's call to "never be the same".

Three years ago when we felt that we needed to serve in Tanzania, we thought we were ready.  We were so wrong.  Pastor Lee encouraged us that Delay is not Denial.  We see now that the process needed to be long.  Over the past three years, we have grown so much.

We are told that the vine must be pruned in order to grow stronger.  All of the parts of our lives, both joyful and sorrowful, make us what we are.  A very dear friend of mine has told me that through the many challenges she faces right now in her life, she prays that while she knows the Lord will not give her more than she can handle, she needs His help through it all.  It is a great testament to her faith to be able to trust in God.

We are grateful to all who have given us their blessing, while not understanding why we would want to be here.  We thank all of you who have helped us to grow and prepare for this journey, especially our pastors, the Global Companion Team members at the Southeastern PA Synod, Global Mission staff of the ElCA, our training time at CCF in Toronto and the ELCA Summer Mission Gathering in Wisconsin.
All of these have changed us and molded us to become better servants of Christ in his world.

Everyone has a mission in life, not all of these missions include a plane trip.  We can all serve wherever we are.  One mission is not more important than another.

1 comment:

  1. It is a beautiful song "The Summons" I just learned it this year for our opening Mass. Our principal, Brother Mike, highly recommended it. The message is a journey of hope and faith. The students love it as well. I now feel connected to you all the way in Africa! God works in mysterious ways. Great choice!!! Love, Abigail

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