As I indicated in my previous blog, I have sensed that much happened in and to and through me during my recent sojourn in Malawi; but as I also indicated, like the farmer in Jesus’ parable (i.e. Mark 4:26-29), who planted his field only to wait, observing little of note, so too is my present.
Prior to my leaving for Malawi, the normal pre-trip planning occurred: shots, passport and visa, medicines, phone and texting capabilities – and the normal, last minute scurrying: photocopying, spraying against mosquitoes, and weighing the bags. And then nineteen days: seeking always to be flexible; wondering what a lower backache might signal; barely in control of one’s schedule; enjoying warm weather, when home knows winter’s prelude; certain of our Lord’s orchestration – only to return home after 33 hours en route but with this determination: the door that was open prior to leaving is now wide open – entirely removed from its hinges.
Such is my conclusion: what I experienced with 25 pastors during an “in-service retreat” in Lilongwe can and should be repeated in 2018. However, that same experience should now be offered in Blantyre to pastors of that Synod – and if in Blantyre, why not in Livingstonia or Zambia or Zimbabwe? Like the farmer of Jesus’ parable, I feel as though much preparation and planting has occurred, but it now seems as though I/we have entered upon a waiting season. Is this “waiting” a factor of the cultural moment: Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, and New Year’s? Is it a factor of my being an intuitive introvert given to patience? Is it a factor of honoring those commitments postponed until my return from Malawi? Is it a factor of admitting that the next step towards Malawi is really a step towards those at home: communicating with them what happened? In all probability, my present “waiting” is being shaped by these and other factors; and yet, whatever the factors, close to the surface of my thinking are the parting words offered by the “president” of our retreat:
“Also warm, friendly and sincere [gratitude] … to the sponsors far back in America and in Indiana in particular, for their loving [concern] … We do appreciate very much for their loving sponsorships in providing, tirelessly, funds and facilities to enable the possibilities and success of these functions. We do not take this for granted, as well. May the good Lord God in Jesus keep on blessing our sponsors in great abundance.”
Amen.
Stan