Recently I reconnected with a friend with whom I had lost contact. His family had gone through an emotional and traumatic loss. While he was raised Presbyterian, he explained that he has had little contact with the church outside of occasionally joining his parents when they attended special church services. As we spoke, he told me of the events surrounding his family's bereavement. Paramount in his narrative was the role that his parents' minister had played. He spoke with great appreciation and deep respect for this minister. He mentioned the words that were chosen, the time that was spent, and the dignity that was extended in the hospital, in the home and at the funeral services. It was obvious to me that he had received great strength from a Christian minister during a really tough time.
Ministry today is not easy. It is a calling. It is a gift and it is a grace. Was there a time when ministry was easy? Was there a time when all of the answers were there and people accepted everything a minister pronounced and then responded with zeal and dedication? Likely not! But today Christian ministry seems to be under scrutiny both from within and without.
During this past year I have had the privilege of sharing in ministry with many clergy – and lay people who equally live out their Christian calling through their vocations – in churches across Canada and overseas. I joined ministers at funerals remembering someone whose struggles in life were over. I stood on chancel steps before a couple about to be married. I walked hospital corridors and armed forces bases with chaplains as they made their rounds. I shared in the Lord's Supper remembrance with congregations and church organizations.
I joined youth group leaders as they used vision and imagination to present meaningful and interesting programs for young Christians. With other ministers I stood beside hospital beds offering prayer and blessing for people very ill and in pain. I was welcomed to share platforms with long-serving overseas missionaries as their years of service were recognized. I have eaten and celebrated with Christian educators as they marked their vital and varied ministries. And it was always a pleasure and honour to join congregations and their ministers as they celebrated anniversaries of years of ministry in their communities.
Christian ministry is done in the name of Jesus. This does not remove it from the realm of reality or slot it into a mould which reeks of boredom, conventionality and routine. But it does establish a standard of excellence. In each of the situations where I was invited I was proud to join those who drew others forward into faith through actions and words that had meaning, were relevant, contemporary and inspiring. To minister or be of service to someone is special. It is also a privilege. You meet people at the most critical points in their lives. All ministries should be handled with care. The Presbyterian Church in Canada is in ministry and I have seen its ministers reaching out in unique and relevant ways that bring glory to the One who sends us. It has been a privilege to serve as Moderator.
Tsunami Update
Life continues despite utter devastation
In mid-april I was privileged to be able to visit Chennai, India and the Andaman Islands to see the relief work being carried out by our partners in those two locations. In Hut Bay, Little Andaman (a seven hour boat trip from Port Blair on Great Andaman) we met with communities that have totally relocated their villages away from the seashore due to the tsunami. The devastation on this island was utter and stark. Almost every building within a kilometre of the shoreline was flattened. Concrete structures were no protection. In the main village 350 people died. The harbour was severely affected which has hampered relief supply delivery to these islands. Yes, the immediate relief period is complete and people are slowly emerging to contemplate the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase. This will not be easy. Every nail, every bag of cement, every shovel-full of sand must be brought onto these islands by the ferry system.
The majority of the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Christian. Their expressed priority for reconstruction was first for a church, then a community centre, then personal homes. Life is returning to normal. I was asked to give the final blessing for a couple as they were married in a make-shift chapel constructed of corrugated iron. The ministry of The Presbyterian Church in Canada continues even as it reaches out to the people of the Andaman Islands.
