Faith Words: Family Reunion

John & I just returned from a vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains.  We did what you're supposed to do on vacation - relax.  That's not what usually happens on our trips.  We typically try to cram in as much as we can in our time away and come home exhausted.  But not this time.

This trip had a different purpose.  It was for a family reunion but not our family.  It was a reunion of our church plant families.  Seventeen families from all over Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and as far away as California gathered in a restful spot to spend time together.  Nine of these families are actively involved in a church plant where they live.  The rest of us are part of the support team behind them.

We ate together, played together and worshiped together. What a joy to spend a few days with these incredible families.  I say "families" because that's who our church planters are - husbands and wives and their children who are all involved in the mission of taking God's word to the community around them.  The dads preach and lead the team.  The moms teach and encourage.  But even the kids play a vital part in this work.  When they're old enough, they perform tasks like setting up the chairs in the worship place, helping prepare communion for the service, and watching the younger ones so mom & dad can concentrate on other things.

Just like at a more traditional family reunion, it was my pleasure as one of the older folks to watch the interaction of the younger folks.  I enjoyed watching as old acquaintances were renewed and new ones were made.  I marveled at how well the kids, who were strangers to each other when we got there, played with each other and had as much fun together as beloved cousins ever did.  I witnessed the exchanges between the men and between the women who, though not related, have more in common than most families.  I was touched more than once as little ones comfortably let us older ones - virtual strangers to them - hold them, play with them, fix their plates at dinner, sit with them and treasure them like our own grandchildren.  We may not be kin by birth but we are kin by blood - the blood of Jesus.

And so I came away encouraged.  In times when I often wonder what will happen to our country and the church in the future, with society like it is, I am renewed and refreshed to see these young people so eagerly engaged in God's kingdom.  The family of God may be surrounded by trouble but it's not in trouble.  The family of God is as strong and vibrant as ever.  And it's a beautiful thing to see.

With praise for what God is doing in His kingdom,

Patrice

Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"