Sunday, November 6, 2011

God Never Makes Mistakes!


This is another good one from Chuck Keortge!  Thanks Chuck for the email!

Wrong Funeral

Consumed by my loss, I didn't notice the hardness of the pew where I sat. I was at the funeral of my dearest friend - my mother. She finally had lost her long battle with cancer. The hurt was so intense; I found it hard to breathe at times. Always supportive, Mother clapped loudest at my school plays, held box of tissues while listening to my first heartbreak, comforted me at my father's death, encouraged me in college, and prayed for me my entire life.

When mother’s illness was diagnosed, my sister had a new baby and my brother had recently married his childhood sweetheart, so it fell on me, the 27-year-old middle child without entanglements, to take care of her. I counted it an honor. 'What now, Lord?' I asked sitting in church.

My life stretched out before me as an empty abyss. My brother sat stoically with his face toward the cross while clutching his wife's hand. My sister sat slumped against her husband’s shoulder, his arms around her as she cradled their child... All so deeply grieving, no one noticed I sat alone. My place had been with our mother, preparing her meals, helping her walk, taking her to the doctor, seeing to her medication, reading the Bible together. Now she was with the Lord. My work was finished, and I was alone.

I heard a door open and slam shut at the back of the church. Quick footsteps hurried along the carpeted floor. An exasperated young man looked around briefly and then sat next to me. He folded his hands and placed them on his lap. His eyes were brimming with tears. He began to sniffle. 'I'm late,' he explained, though no explanation was necessary.

After several eulogies, he leaned over and commented, 'Why do they keep calling Mary by the name of 'Margaret?'' 'Because, that was her name, Margaret. Never Mary, no one called her 'Mary,'' I whispered.

I wondered why this person couldn't have sat on the other side of the church. He interrupted my grieving with his tears and fidgeting. Who was this stranger anyway?
'No, that isn't correct,' he insisted, as several people glanced over at us whispering, 'Her name is Mary, Mary Peters.' 'That isn't who this is.'

'Isn't this the Lutheran church?'

'No, the Lutheran church is across the street.'

'Oh.'

'I believe you're at the wrong funeral, Sir.' The solemnness of the occasion mixed with the realization of the man's mistake bubbled up inside me and came out as laughter. I cupped my hands over my face, hoping it would be interpreted as sobs. The creaking pew gave me away. Sharp looks from other mourners only made the situation seem more hilarious.

I peeked at the bewildered, misguided man seated beside me. He was laughing; too, as he glanced around, deciding it was too late for an uneventful exit. I imagined Mother laughing.

At the final 'Amen,' we darted out a door and into the parking lot. 'I do believe we'll be the talk of the town,' he said, smiling. He said his name was Rick and since he had missed his aunt's funeral, asked me out for a cup of coffee.

That afternoon began a lifelong journey for me with this man who attended the wrong funeral, but was in the right place. A year after our meeting, we were married at a country church where he was the assistant pastor.

This time we both arrived at the same church, right on time... In my time of sorrow, God gave me laughter. In place of loneliness, God gave me love. Thispast June, we celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary. Whenever anyone asks us how we met, Rick tells them, 'Her mother and my Aunt Mary introduced us, and it's truly a match made in heaven.'

If you Love God, and are not ashamed of all the marvelous things he has done for you, send this on to others. REMEMBER, God doesn't make mistakes. He puts us where we are to be.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Training Day Friday - Leader Mundial Summit Comes to Manila

"You are not alone!"

The best words I have ever heard from Russ Cline way back in 2007 when Leader Mundial Summit in Quito, Ecuador commenced for the first time.   True indeed, ever since that day, God used Russ, the summit and a community of great global leaders to show me that I was not alone.  They were there during the toughest times of my life and ministry and they continue to do so after many years of being part of the summit's community.  Whether in my high or low moments, they never let go.  For sure it is God working through them to make me experience His loving-kindness and amazing love.

Now five summits in Quito later and four years after, God brought the same spirit and vision here in the Philippines.  What started as a dream two years ago when Russ visited Manila and scouted for a place, is now a reality.

We declared the same thing, "You are not alone," to the Filipino pastors who participated in Leader Mundial Manila Summit. Thirty-seven (37) of us converged in Ciudad Christia Nine Waves Resort for a 4-day summit.  That includes ten (10) pastors and their spouses, the Youth Mobilization team and the IT Tender Ministry team.  From October 26 to 29, we learned, played, worshiped and prayed together.

No one was indeed alone.

It was a great time to see the fun, the laughter, the tears, and the excitement in everyone!  What a great start!  Another community was born.  Everyone is now looking forward for the next summit.  To God be the glory indeed!