My first months as moderator have given me some time to reflect on the honour bestowed on me and the importance of this role. I am thankful to friends, both old and new, who have sent their best wishes and their kind words of wisdom and encouragement. I have received invitations to visit synods, presbyteries and congregations. It is my desire to honour most of these if at all possible. However, I cannot be in more than one place at a time so in some cases will try to suggest an alternate date. I want to have the opportunity to visit congregations in our church and to learn what is happening in your area.
The scripture passage from PaulÂ’s letter, Romans 12, is one that I have pondered as I have taken on my new responsibilities as moderator. Prior to my election, this has been a role that was only bestowed upon professional church workers. I realize that my gifts are different but my calling is the same. I believe that God has called me to this responsibility as God did during my 42 years working for the church both at home and overseas.
I was beginning to think that Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., was my new home having been there for almost a week during General Assembly and exactly one month later I was there again for Canada Youth Â’06. The events were a very interesting contrast, different kinds of energy, from the serious business meetings of the national church, to the flashing lights and the busy activity of our youth. The business of the church is vital to our ministry and the youth are part of it. In my six days at CY06 with over 600 participants, I had the opportunity to listen to the youth and their leaders. They are excited about their faith and worship was number one on their poll. Many even admitted that they liked the old hymns, perhaps sung a little faster than some of us experience.
My schedule will take me to India from September 15 to October 6. During my time in India we will have an opportunity to celebrate the release and acquittal of the 15 prisoners on the Bhil field. They are waiting the arrival of Ron Wallace and me to celebrate with all the villages in the area, to give thanks to God. They want to express through us their thanks and appreciation for the prayers and support of the members of our church. These men are an example to us; despite their difficult times and incarceration for almost two and a half years, they are giving thanks to God. They believe that God has a plan for them and that something good will come out of all of this. I look forward to reporting to the church on my time with them.
The WomenÂ’s Missionary Society, of which I am the national treasurer, has made it possible for the Jobat Christian School in India to be rebuilt due to its unsafe structure. The new school will be renamed The Mabel Booth Memorial Christian School, honouring one of our own diaconal ministers who gave her life to the work and the leading of children, and the training of leaders, both in congregational work and as the ChildrenÂ’s Work Secretary for the WMS. When Mabel was a deaconess at Glenview, Toronto, she wisely counselled the Ewart College students during their field work. The WMS wanted to honour her for her contribution to the work of children within our church and requested that a plaque be put on the new building dedicating it to the glory of God and in memory of Mabel Booth.
The school board, in Jobat, India, itself decided to rename the school rather than only putting up a plaque. Because of the additional classrooms, the government has permitted the school to add at least two and possibly three higher grades. Education is key in the developing world. The school is a fine example of Christian witness in an area where the Christians have suffered persecution. Pauline Brown continues to assist the Christians in the Bhil field with her wise counsel.
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection.
