Charles is a Chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces.
He was born in Rwanda and raised in a refugee camp in Tanzania, and Monday evening he told us his story as we rode home from the General Assembly Banquet on a bus.
It’s a story of God’s provision, but more amazing to me than the miraculous movement of God’s hand directing the circumstances of Charles’ life, is the undeniable influence of God’s grace in Charles’ life. Charles bubbles, He bounces. He absolutely glows with God’s love. And it’s a dynamic, tangible thing that draws people to him. In only a moment her had us leaning close as we soaked up his word above the drone of the bus’s engine.
“To make a long story short,” Charles said that over and over before adding another twist.
I’m not going to tell you Charles’ story here. It’s too mind-blowing to fit into this small space and frankly, I wouldn’t get all the details correct after only hearing him once. But one particular aspect of his story has continued to resurface in my mind.
When Charles and his new bride finally stepped across the border into Canada, he stood in front of his wife (who did not as of yet speak English) and said, “We are refugees.” Then the Canadian Border Security Officer replied, “Come in.”
To Charles Canada means “Come in.” Come in from the cold. Come in and be safe. And in gratitude for that welcome he’s become a citizen and now a Chaplain serving in our Armed Forces.
“Come in.”
As Canadians we have the wonderful privilege of opening our doors to a needy world, and saying “Come in.” Come in from the cold. Come in and be safe.
But more importantly, as Christians Jesus has called us to open our hearts and our churches and say, “Come in.”
Come in out of the cold. Come in and be safe. Come in and let us share with you the love and joy of our amazing Lord, Jesus Christ God’s son.
