We're back!
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 21 May 2009 in From Steve's Study ::
How great it is to be back. I want to thank everyone for being so kind in praying for us while we were away, and for the lovely welcome home we’ve received. Thanks especially to Philippa and others who have provided us meals to help us settle in quickly.
It probably goes without saying that we’ve had a wonderful time, but we have been extremely thankful to God for his kindness to us in all we’ve been able to see and do.
I don’t want to bore you with our travel stories (though if you want to look through the 3000-odd photos we have, let me know!), but as I look back on our time away, there are a couple of things that have really struck me:
Firstly, we were all struck by how much we missed our church family. We take for granted, I think, what a great blessing it is to be amongst a group of people who love and care for us. There is no substitute for the fellowship of believers, and in particular, for this group of people here. We’ve missed our St Peters family and are glad to be back with you all.
Secondly, (though relatedly) I’ve been struck by the great difference there is between simply “observing” church & being an active member. We saw a lot of beautiful churches (even more awe-inspiring than the St Peters building), and many people for whom church seemed to be merely a weekly chore (even though a pleasureable one), but didn’t seem to allow their connection with church to impact their lives at other times during the week. How great it is that we’ve all been called to play an active role in the life of our church. What a great privilege to act as God’s hands and feet, to encourage and build up each other.
Thirdly, I was really impacted by the gulf that exists between those in our world who have, and those who don’t. What does it say about a society that has people with no shoes, begging for any small coins people can spare, outside the doors of a Gucci store, where you can buy a handbag for over $4000? I was greatly challenged to think about how I personally have responded to the plight of the poor in our world – the “widows and orphans” of James 1:27.
There were many other things that I’m sure will find their way out into sermon illustrations, but I just wanted to share these couple of thoughts with you and to say again how much I’m looking forward to moving forward together again under Christ.
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