Dear one,
Through my most recent reflections with you, I noted the possible impact or reach my upcoming venture to Malawi might have: 175,000 lives. Hopefully in my reflections you heard the possible, not the probable impact I might have, with this underlying assumption: the further the reach the less powerful the impact. This is not to negate the importance of reaching beyond immediate circles, or the influence one person might have upon a generation or even a culture; but it is that simple affirmation, as evident in Jesus’ relationships, that His impact upon Peter, James, and John was probably great than His impact upon Thaddeus.
As I gave further reflection to the possibility of my touching 175,000 lives, I found my thinking “diverging”: on the one hand, I find it difficult to comprehend my influencing 175,000 individuals. Oh, I know the possibility exists, but that possibility I little can grasp. On the other hand, I find the image of a small cobble in a great roadway very helpful: I am simply one, small portion of something far great than I can fathom or comprehend. And yet, even this image is incomplete: it is static, and assumes that the cobble has already been securely placed along side other such stones. The reality is that I am still in process—perhaps a “living” cobble, not unlike the description of 1Peter 2:5: [Like] living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house”.
Although the image of a “living” cobble is of comfort to me, it also suggests that who I am, what I might still become, and how I might yet respond have not been realized. From last year, you might recall that I delivered a funeral sermon at a Malawian service attended by 800 individuals—an experience I in no way anticipated. So what will the next two weeks afford? I do not really know, in spite of our plans—but for this I ask you to pray: I might meet with the General Secretary of the Central Church of Africa: Presbyterian (CCAP). In light of his desire for a “spiritual retreat” for the leadership of the five, denominational synods, we have exchanged emails. He and I might discuss the possibility of such a retreat: reconcilation among church leaders is needed. I might be able to help; I might not.
As I undertake a fifth venture to Malawi, I do so wondering: What will I experience upon this occasion (and hopefully not more kidney stones)?
Faithfully,
Stan