Dear ones,
I thought it appropriate to share with you as I have in days past, but to do so using a slightly different thought-form. That is, in the past, and even the very recent past, I have shared with you “Uganda Days,” “Romanian Road,” and “Malawi Ramblings” … and in truth, they all might have been ramblings.
But whatever the form and style of my writings, what now appears to be slightly different or even new is that I believe that Malawi, Romania, and Uganda are to become a consistent, focusing experience in our lives. I believe that our Shepherd to Shepherds efforts (and I include you in the pronoun “our”) means my encouraging pastors within these three countries by means of retreats and/or teaching moments. Thus, if given the health and continued opportunity, for next 5-7 years Mary and I believe that I am to visit Malawi in the fall, Romania in late-winter, and Uganda in late-spring. These are to be the next “chapter” of our lives.
In this regard I am motivated by two thoughts: First, that the pastors in these settings are often “the forgotten voice.” Not unlike the American experience of the late-eighteenth to mid-nineteenth centuries, if one wanted to address prevailing social needs, the pastor of a village or town, often the most educated and well-connected person, was “the voice” who called forth timely and appropriate solutions. Because this “voice” often related to a body of believers, who knew the love of Christ, they then rightly heard: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40).
Second, I am convinced that if these “forgotten voices” are well cared for and encouraged; if they have opportunity to meaningfully engage in the Scriptures, in moments of prayer and singing, and in free conversation with one another (i.e. our American “networking)”, then they will in turn be much better able to care for their sheep, who will then better care for the lambs about them. Stated otherwise, pastors care well for their flocks, when they are well cared for. As the Risen Lord cared for Peter, so too He encouraged him: “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17).
I do hope and pray that you will continue to support our Shepherd to Shepherds ministry, even as I return to Malawi October 10-24, during which time I will lead another pastors’ retreat. I will share with you this latest endeavor as “Malawi Musings.”
Faithfully,
Stan