A “Mad rush” Sunday

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
– Romans 12:12 (NIV)

It was one of those “mad rush” Sunday mornings! The Church Council was scheduled to meet an hour-and-a-half before the beginning of the worship service. However, by the time everyone arrived there was just 20 minutes left. Names were quickly brought forward of those who were sick, those needing to be baptized as well as confirmed that morning. In addition, a progress report was presented outlining the latest developments on the construction of our new church building and upcoming events were identified that needed to be brought to the congregation’s attention. By the time we finished, the church was full, already singing praise songs and we were 25 minutes late in beginning the service.

All of us from the Church Council hurried over to the church where the others were singing, and we began the liturgy. More songs were sung; prayers were offered, scripture read and a sermon preached. In an effort to keep to schedule, I nearly forgot to take up the morning offering. One of the church deacons, having noticed the oversight, grabbed the collection plate and began making the rounds. He quickly passed the plate row after row. One small boy who was standing at the side of the church with some of the other children and who had a coin in hand, anxiously waited for the deacon to come his way. Unfortunately, the child was inadvertently overlooked and the plate continued to make its way amongst the parishioners. The boy, however, was determined to give forth his offering. And thus, the journey began as he pursued the plate, row after row. Finally, the deacon in charge of the offering, noticed the child, and allowed him to put his coin into the plate. Having done so, the boy happily went back to his chair for the remainder of the service.

From time to time, all of us have one of those “mad rush” Sundays- whereby we find ourselves so involved in trying to get things done, that we forget to focus on the bigger picture, i.e. the reason we come to church in the first place. That small boy, which I spoke about earlier, focused his entire attention on that which was important to him at that moment, and insured he was not side tracked along the way. To be honest, worship services are sometimes inspiring; chaotic; thinly attended and sometimes packed to capacity. Nonetheless, amidst the whirlwinds of a changing world, let us center our thoughts on Jesus who is always with us. Let us allow the words from the scripture ring true- “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Let us ask for God’s help in opening our eyes to the Almighty’s presence.

Kgolagano College, where both Jayanthi and I work during the week, is currently going through a period of structural and administrative changes. As the only ecumenical theological college in the country engaged in the training of pastors, it has a vital role to play in the development of the Church. Please keep this institution, the students and the people who work there in your prayers.

Ramotswa UCCSA Congregational Church, where I am serving as pastor, continues to grow numerically. At the same time, the new church structure is slowly inching its way towards completion. We recently put in the window panes and are looking towards finishing the floor over the next couple of months, God willing. We would like to thank everyone who has stood in solidarity with the people of this congregation- both in prayers and through donations.

Jayanthi and I would like to draw to your attention that we have had to change our email address which we had for so many years. It was hacked. Thus, we are now using a new one from Gmail. Until we meet again, God bless.

Jim and Jayanthi Wilson
jrjswilson@gmail.com

James & Jayanthi Wilson are missionaries with the Kgolagano Theological College in Gaborone, Botswana. Jim serves as an instructor at Kgolagano Theological College. Jayanthi is seconded to the Botswana Synod and assigned to Kgolagano Theological College. She serves as librarian at Kgolagano College and will continue to work with the Sedibeng Centre.