Page 12 - Moravian Messenger Oct 2020

From the Sanctuary
Sometimes, it is difficult to sleep through the night when I have things on my mind. My habit is usually to initially get straight to sleep, but then to wake up almost every night about 3am for an hour or so, with things, or clients, or pastoral situations, going around and around in my head. It used to frustrate me that that seems to be my pattern and my process; but now, I have come to befriend it and to view it as a productive time of reflection, creativity and prayer - a time with God.
It is interesting to reflect that in the Bible, God often comes to people in the dark - and in the 'night time' of living. These can be seen as those times of bereavement, uncertainly, vulnerability, conflict and fragility - when we are feeling at our lowest - times when, perhaps strangely, we also can feel closest to God. The story of Jesus coming alongside the two friends who were on the way to Emmaus is one such 'night' narrative. The two friends, having witnessed the crucifixion, were returning home, dwelling on their loss and confusion, and trying to make sense of all that happened as they travelled. They thought God would work through Jesus in a particular way, but God seemingly crushed their expectations and their hopes for Jesus. But,
alongside them, as they journey, appears the resurrected Jesus. He isn't recognised at first, and when they arrive at the friends' house, it is late in the evening - it is night-time. That is why they invite Him in to stay the night before continuing His journey. However, it was only after Jesus broke the bread that they recognised who He was.
Sometimes, inner strife and confusion plague our life. That is when we are less likely to be able to sleep, because we are searching for solutions or resolutions, by playing events over and over in our head. And when we do manage to sleep, our unconscious takes over, playing things out through our dreams. In all of that, Jesus is alongside us - although we may not be able to see or recognise Him until we suddenly have a moment of enlightenment (i.e. metaphorically symbolised by the breaking of the bread) - after which we can see God's hand in things.
So, do not fear the night and the darkness in life. Rather, seek to discern where and how Christ is at work - for He is surely with, and alongside us if we can but recognise it.
Br Peter Gubi Dukinfield
British Mission Board (BMB) Vacancy
Mission Ventures
A significant part of the work of the Moravian Church in general and the British Province is its commitment to bringing the message and works of the gospel to communities where other Christian ventures have not been developed. It is this commitment that has led to the development of Moravian ventures in India and Nepal, work that has been ongoing for over 100 years. The work in these regions, together with commitment to support work in the Caribbean and East Africa constitute the portfolio of the work under the British Mission Board (BMB). The BMB is part of a wider network of mission agencies within the worldwide structure
of the Moravian Church (the Unity) who partner and support each other to enable developments within the Unity.
The BMB also carries forward the work formerly focussed on the supply and support for overseas missionary efforts and is supported in large measure by the Bate's Trust and the London Association for Moravian Mission (LAMM).
General Secretary for Missions (GSM)
With the changes in the global landscape and new challenges and opportunities emerging for the establishment and support of ventures in Christian Mission, the BMB is looking to employ a General Secretary for
Mission (GSM), in a fulltime capacity for a fixed term of three years. The GSM will drive the strategic vision of the British Mission Board and oversee its operational activities. This will include guiding the development of new Christian ventures, and supporting existing work, including in South Asia, East Africa, the UK and Ireland.
This post will begin on 1st January 2020. Job specifications and applications will be available from Church House, care of Sr Lindsey Newens, Administrator. The deadline for applications will be 31st October 2020 with interviews expected to take place week beginning 16th November 2020.
The Moravian Messenger
Official Journal of the Moravian Church in the British Province. Published monthly by the authority of the Provincial Synod.
Advertisements and all communications concerning distribution
and supply should be sent to the Editorial Team.
Editorial Team, Church House, 5 Muswell Hill, London N10 3TJ
editorialteam@moravian.org.uk
Contributions for the Messenger should reach the editorial team by the 7th day of the preceding month.
Design & Artwork David Bull dave@redragdesign.co.uk
Printed & Distribution G. R. Walkden
Tel 01253 681338