We have one in our family this weekend. I can't attend this year because of being here in Atlanta. One of the fun, yet strangely unnerving things about family reunions is the people. You know some of the people you hope to see and then there are those crazy uncles, cousins with rat tails and mullets, and the inevitable aunt who still pinches your cheeks (on your face) and talks to you like you are a kid. (By the way I am talking about your family, not mine).
Though I won't make this year's family reunion I am at a different kind of reunion. This is a reunion of the people called Methodist. And, true to form there are some crazy uncles and interesting hair styles. Yet, just like family, if you look past the surface you see the person and there are some great people here. Additionally, I have seen some awesome things take place and have learned alot. Which do you want to hear about first?
OK, here are some of the awesome things:
(1)the pastor from Benin I shared about yesterday was in a workshop with me. He shared yesterday about his desire for renewal and church planting to take place in his country. Today, the workshop leader was the "Bishop of Evangelism" [pictured]
from Nigeria (Nigeria shares a border with Benin). The Bishop offered his help to begin renewal and church planting in Benin. The pastor from Benin was so overwhelmed he began to weep.(2)Had a conversation with the Bishop of the New Delhi Conference in India and three delegates from Malaysia. We talked about (of all things) church Discipline and ordination (yawn). Actually it was enlightening to see how other Methodist bodies do things.
(3) Saw about 100+ kids at the YMCA camp taking place on the conference grounds while I was on my walk. I wish we could harness that amount of energy for evangelism as we return to our home conferences.
A few things I have learned:
(1) Nigeria is planting churches through a parenting church model in much the same way we are in our annual conference.
(2) Translation is a tough but much appreciated work for an event like this.
(3) Bok Choi tastes like collard greens and cabbage.
(4) Praying in our native languages with a small group of people from 7 different countries must be something similar to the day of Pentecost.
I am getting to know a lot of family members I have never met. I am thankful for this opportunity and hope to continue many of these relationships in the future. I really, really miss my family, but this family here is worth getting to know.
Peace and Towels,
Andrew
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