“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Romans 8:35
“I am going to do something in the service this morning I have never done before,” Rev. Michael Stol told me, just before the service.
Michael is minister at Westmount Presbyterian in London, Ont. The church is strategically located next to a large mall, surrounded by many high – rise apartment buildings. It’s one of the reasons the church attracts many people for the worship services as well as other activities, including an active youth program.
Michael explained that a young family from out West was visiting their parents in London. The couple had two small daughters; the younger having Costello Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, with only 200 – 300 cases reported worldwide. Complications can include developmental delays or intellectual disabilities, heart problems and increased risk of several cancers, just to name a few.
This particular Sunday, the family was sitting in church with their two girls. The message was based on Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, “And I know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) It was a most fitting and powerful message for this occasion.
Following the message, we sang a song that was new to me but not to the congregation. “I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old. … You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you belong.” The parents and their daughters were then invited to come forward.
Michael explained to the congregation the condition of the young girl. He shared with the parents that God’s special grace is His gift to them, assuring them of His presence and love for their little one, held in the young mother’s arms. As he laid his hand upon the little child he prayed for Christ’s strength and presence, and for faith and courage for the parents and older daughter.
“May they always know your nearness and love in the years ahead, believing that nothing can ever separate us from the love of Christ.” The prayer was followed with anointing the child with oil and giving her God’s blessing. The congregation was deeply moved and tears were flowing. They responded with a most gentle applause, much to say, “We love the four of you, and we will continue to pray for God’s strength.”
I have had the privilege over the years to conduct worship at Westmount many times, and still do. I always sense a spiritually strong feeling when I am there. On this very special occasion I felt it again. God’s Spirit was moving. In closing, we repeated one more verse of the song we sang earlier:
“When the evening gently closes in and you shut your weary eyes, I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise.”
“Because in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
