Most of us are now back home, following stops in airports and some long distances covered on the road. A couple more are still out on the road, spending time with family on the way home. We lost a tire on the church van 3-4 miles outside of Ontario, Oregon. That set us back some in terms of time, but while at the Les Schwab dealership in Ontario we were blessed by Cynthia, a Les Schwab employee who insisted on putting the bill for the new tire on her account. We had the money- that wasn't the issue. She wanted to bless us. Lots and lots of people have found ways to bless this project. While in Mississippi, during devotions one night, I spoke of "riding a wave" of goodwill toward those who travel to the Gulf Coast to work as volunteers. I found myself riding that wave all the way home, having chances to speak of our trip with strangers at gas pumps, restaurants, and other places. We were also blessed by Ann's father Frank and his wife Pat, who prepared a beautiful dinner for us in Tulsa, and by Mel and Faye, Melodie's mom and dad, who put breakfast out in West Jordan, UT. The trip is long, even with several drivers to share that work, but we were blessed throughout.
When we pulled into the Bethel Lutheran parking lot in Biloxi ten days ago, I felt this relief- that now there were 21 other people who would be spending the time on the Gulf Coast and then trying to describe what they were about to see and hear. I, for one, can't wait to hear more from everyone. I haven't seen many pictures yet (except my own) and I"m looking forward to that also. We have so many people to pray for, so many people to be thankful for, so many people with whom to try to stay connected.
I was blessed to share a word at worship on Wednesday evening, and I spoke on Revelation 21- about that day when "mourning and crying and pain will be no more." I got closer to that word last fall, and once again during our time on Gulf Coast over the last few days. The healing that we saw and heard about, the healing that we got to be a part of, the blessings and the wave of welcome and of connection that we got to enjoy, they are all amazing. In the end, though, they are all signs of a day and time to come that is so much bigger and better. We have a hard time communicating the blessings that we've seen. How much more difficult it is to get our minds and hearts around that day that is promised to us. I believe that we have had the blessing of spending a few days in places where God is working all kinds of signs and wonders. There's so much mourning and crying and pain, though, that thoughts of that day of the Lord at the end of time have not been far away. Maybe that's the best blessing of all for me. - Pastor Glen