Next week I leave on a trip to visit China.  This is a wonderful opportunity for me to see a part of the world that I have never seen before.  This however is not just a tourist vacation trip.  We are going as a part of a trip sponsored by the Division of Overseas Ministries to meet leaders and observe the church in China.  Many have indicated their surprise as we talk of the church in China.  They have been under the impression that China didn’t allow churches.  Part of that I hope to find out for myself during the trip there.  The other thing however is to discover how important faith is in a part of the country where it is not the norm.  For those of us in the south of the US Christianity is our culture.  We see and experience it everyday and it even becomes common to us.  For the Chinese I expect it will be a vital part of their life which they choose each day.  In a place where they are not encouraged to be Christian but choose to be, it means they have really discovered the value of this faith we hold. 

            I intend if possible to send back impressions and reactions several times while in China.  I hope that I may share with you some of the excitement and some of the discovery of the faith of the Chinese Church that can help us in our efforts to be the vital and alive Church God has called us to be.  When I get home I will indeed have many more thoughts and a great many pictures to share with you.  I look forward to us talking about what I experience and what I learn that will help us all in our journey and pilgrimage of faith.

            Blessings to you

Ray 

Christmas is past now and in reflecting on the events of Christmas, I discover it has been a hectic season.  The season involved good times with family and some trying times dealing with issues that had to be done.  Altogether it is not too different than yours, I suspect.

            One thing I am aware of is that I am viewing things through different eyes.  Some people refer to that as maturity and others say it is because we notice others who are in similar situations to those we are in.

            I notice that there are an amazing number of people in my circles who are experiencing grief.  I am surprised the number of people I know who have had a mother die recently.   Maybe it is the age I am and my acquaintances are experiencing similar things.  Maybe, however, it is because I am more aware of others now.   My own life has opened my eyes to what others are dealing with.  Grief has maybe made me more empathetic to others. 

            The other thing I am aware of is the number of people who have expressed concern and sympathy for me.  Being part of the body of Christ is really an experience in being loved and loving others. 

            It all leads me to think about the ministry we in the church need to deal with.  Perhaps the most important thing we can do is walk with others through the tough times of life and care for each other.  It is said the early church was identified by the way the loved one another.  That’s not a bad thing for us to be aware of today as we live out being church.  “See how they love one another”.    I think I’d be happy if that were the way I was remembered and my ministry recalled. 

I’m finding grieving this time to be totally different than anything I’ve experienced before.  It’s affecting me in different ways and in unexpected manners.   It is hard to make decisions and I find I am tired a lot of the time.  It is good to know enough to recognize these things as signs of grief and not get too worried.   I am also thankful for the patience with which people have treated me during this time. 

The most positive thing I have experienced has been the love and support of the people in the church.  Continually I have received cards and notes, emails and calls.  They have all been filled with love and concern for what we are facing and for what we need to do.  I cannot thank you enough for all that concern. 

            Love and concern is a great thing but the important part of it is to express the love and concern.   It reminds me of all the sermons that I have preached about the importance of doing love.  God calls upon us to express the love we have for others, neighbors, friends, church members, but also those who we aren’t acquainted with but whose lives need the love of God.     

            In New Orleans, the pastor of Westside Christian Church wore a shirt that said “Where did you see God today?”  For those of us who name Jesus as Lord the question needs to also be “Where did you live God’s love today?”

Thanks for doing that.

Ray

In the moments before my mother’s memorial service I stood aside from others, somehow wishing that I had let someone else do the leading of the service.  I had allowed Wendy and the host pastor to do the early parts of the service.  That gave me a few moments to try and find the courage needed to stand before people and speak of my mother and her faith and life.  Even as I stood in the pulpit I was overwhelmed with a sense of what to say and do.  However as I heard the passages of Scripture read and as we sang the hymns I felt an incredible sense of calm come over me.  Those were indeed the songs that reminded me of the very faith that Mom had taught and lived.  I believe it and there was no need to worry or be concerned.  Mom was indeed in the reward promised for all and the songs and scriptures reminded and reassured me of it. 

Never let the importance of the songs and passages read in worship be lost upon you.  They may have been old hymns that are somewhat out of fashion today but they connected me to the ages of faith I was a part of.  They linked me to the God who I know and serve.  They are indeed powerful and never underestimated by those of us who lead and plan worship.

My thanks to all who sent cards, emails and made phone calls.  They were the other source of the strength needed to get through this past week.  Knowing the prayers and concern of others was with me uplifted and gave me strength.  Thanks for your love and concern.