Page 12 - Moravian Messenger October 2019

At the time of
writing this, I have
just returned from a day trip on
a canal boat. It was thoroughly enjoyable day - one that was full of triumphs,
joyful experiences, the occasional challenge, good food and excellent company.
It took some organisation, but threatened to be cancelled at the last minute by a deep depression in the weather forecast which was prophesying strong wings, driving rain and everything that the elements could throw at us. However, having checked the boat out, and seen that there was enough room inside to protect us from the elements (should we need it), we decided to ignore the warnings and give it a go. And I'm glad we did.
The 'smoother' delights for me were the singing, the banter, the food, the countryside, the wildlife, and the cows peering over the bridge at us. The 'challenging' delights were keeping the boat on track against the wind, standing and steering in the rain, the occasional crash, the raising of the bridges (which took some effort) and the time of 'stuckness' on the mud bank beneath the surface, when we thought we would never break free.
From the Sanctuary
Yet, the trip would certainly not have been the same without the mix of smoother and more challenging times. So it is with spiritual life. Some Christians think, and preach, that faith will protect them from harm and difficulty - and then blame God if they feel that they are not protected enough. Yet, the crucifixion of Jesus demonstrates the distortion of such a view on faith, by placing suffering at the heart of faith. So faith, rather than protect us, enables us to cope with the difficult times, and gives us a perspective on suffering that enables us to see it as something 'growthful', rather than something to be avoided. That does not mean that we put ourselves in unnecessary danger, but rather that we bring an encompassing perspective to our difficulties.
For me, on the canal trip, the challenges added 'texture' to the experience which would probably have been blander and less memorable without them. Rather than the mistakes being something to punish (either within myself or to condemn in others), they added an important dimension to the experience. So it is with our lives; it is often our mistakes that make our life interesting - and make us more interesting to others (and to ourselves), and better people within from having had the experiences that we have had. We can learn from them, and from those in others. So, the next time you are tempted to condemn yourself, or another, for a mistake or wrong decision, try and reach for the growth, and see the texture that it has added to your life - for God is surely in it if you can find
Him/Her. Br Peter Gubi, Dukinfield
British Mission Board (BMB) News
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
It is our joy and blessing to inform you about our annual Bible camp, held in Pogradec, 18th-21st July. This year we chose the topic 'I say yes' and this theme was reflected in Bible studies, worship, activities, and workshops. We say YES to Jesus Christ when we accept Him as our Saviour, but we also say YES to Him every day, in what we are called to do in His Name.
There were 107 participants aged 2-75 years old, including staff and leaders. They were as usual divided into four small groups according to age. Group discussions were very effective this year.
The camp this year was supported by the Moravian Church in Stockholm: a Swedish team of five sisters and brothers joined, Klas, Kerstin, Meeha, Sheba and Amy, whom we take the opportunity to thank hereby for everything they did.
Also, we are grateful to all of you for always keeping our work in your thought and prayers.
May God bless you richly!
In His love and grace!
Kisha Luterane e Moraviane, Shqipëri Lutheran and Moravian Church in Albania
Letter to the Editorial Team
At time of writing Br David Howarth and Sr Roberta Hoey are visiting Tabora, in Western Tanzania. The Moravian Church is Western Tanzania is a partner province of our British Province. With 120,000 members throughout the area and the scope of ministry is large and varied. We are currently visiting Sikonge Hospital and Leprosarium. We are looking forward to sharing updates and news on our return.
Br Paul Holdsworth has just returned from European Mission Conference in Basel, Switzerland. This was an opportunity for all Moravian missions agencies from Europe and USA to meet and discuss developments and issues in our ongoing work throughout the Unity. A report on his time will be published in the coming months.
The Moravian Messenger
Official Journal of the Moravian Church in the British Province. Published monthly by the authority of the Provincial Synod.
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and supply should be sent to the Editorial Team.
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editorialteam@moravian.org.uk
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© Sr Roberta Hoey