I just finished preaching at the Divine Service at the Ukunda church and rescue center. It is a humbling experience. I enjoy the rhythm of speaking and having someone translate. I like the give and take that comes from an African congregation as they respond to questions. It also recalled the old lesson that had learned and had forgotten. As I was waving goodbye the children would come. Our goodbye signal is their “come here”. These gentle and joyous people are so happy to have us here it is hard to go. So the gesture is appropriate. When I say goodbye I would like them to come with me. Of course that is not possible, but I preached about the body of Christ today and how Christ’s work of redemption has made us one. We all look forward to the day when that oneness is fully realized in the life to be revealed when Christ comes again.
