It happened again. God exceeded our expectations. The Holy Spirit did what none of us could do on our own. What started out with apprehension and anxiety ended with joy and peace for everyone involved. By the conclusion, all twelve of us were thrilled by what God had done among us.

At the end of September, a group of 11 leaders from the Chartres parish of the United Church of France (formed from the merger of the Reformed and Lutheran churches in France) and I gathered for a weekend leadership retreat. For the bulk of our 30 hours together, we engaged in an intensive process of discernment for the future of the parish. Most were excited. I was nervous.

Would American coaching methods work for French leaders in a group setting? Would I be able to communicate effectively in French? Would they be able to understand me with my accent? Would they accept my leadership as a foreigner? Clearly too much focus on me and not enough confidence in God!

 

By the end, what happened was clearly of God's doing. Far more than simply fulfilling the stated agenda, God worked beautifully among us. We sang, prayed, and responded excitedly to Jesus's teaching on abiding in him and bearing fruit as an outgrowth of a vital relationship with him. The values and priorities for the upcoming season in the life of the church flowed out almost effortlessly.  In hearing a call to expand their outreach beyond their doors while simultaneously strengthening the bonds within the diverse church community, a powerful sense of unity emerged to everyone's amazement and joy.  

At one point, an older woman named Isabel simply said with gratitude in her eyes, "I feel so privileged to be part of this retreat." 

Jean added, "This retreat has changed me. I'll be going home a different man." 

Judith, the president of the congregation was especially effusive. She felt so thankful to God for once again grounding the leaders in Christ as the foundation for their lives and the church. She felt the whole "Conseil" (Council) was "fed" and nourished in so many helpful ways throughout the weekend.

Council member Isabel and Pastor Dina continue the conversation one on one

 

I left the retreat praising God for his faithfulness to work among those who put their confidence in him to lead and to guide. The coaching methodology was helpful, the organization was important, and the positive attitudes and commitment of the leaders set the stage. Yet, the clarity, conviction, unity, love, and joy we all experienced came from the Holy Spirit. In returning, all of us were once again convinced that no matter what we set out to do for Christ and his kingdom, Jesus has to be at the center.  And it is what the Holy Spirit does in us and through us that produces what we all hunger and thirst for in our lives and in the church.

Jean Claude and Prisca enjoying conversation on break

I have now turned my attention back to final preparations for teaching, speaking, spiritual direction, and ministering in Myanmar, beginning October 9. Please pray for me as I step back into an entirely different ministry venue chock-full of opportunities to serve Christ and build up the church in Southeast Asia. (See below for more details about what's coming up.) Thank you for your continued interest and concern. Your love and support are deeply appreciated.

 

Serving Christ with you,