As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the profane chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge; by professing it some have missed the mark as regards the faith. Grace be with you. (1 Timothy 6:17-21)
I often come back to these words when I begin worrying about, well everything. It is good to be reminded that "God provides us with everything for our enjoyment." That the life we are living really is made for joy. Unfortunately we allow our human systems to take that away for so many of those who do not have power. For me personally, I allow my own anxieties, my own worries, to take away the joy that is before me in serving such a wonderful congregation.
We are facing uncertain times, this is certainly true. We are also sometimes called by the Holy Spirit into ventures unknown. Such is a time for us as we listen to our Chinese Ministry partners come to us for wisdom and support.
Over the last year this Chinese Ministry has been facing an uncertain future. It is a ministry that focuses on those who do not know the faith. Pastor Jade calls them "baby Christians." Sometimes I feel like a baby Christian when I struggle with my own faith. Regardless, it has been a powerful ministry to a very transient community. They are coming to us to ask for our support, not just with our dollars, but with our gifts as well. There are few ministries to the Chinese community that offers a progressive, non-judgemental place to explore faith, Jesus, and what it means to be part of the "church." We will be asked, this coming July 22 at a special congregational meeting to consider becoming full fledge partners in this outreach.
I have come to know this community and they are genuine faith seekers. They have challenged me to think about how we can articulate this faith to a different culture. They have also reminded me the power of safe community. For some this is the first time they have a safe place to ask their questions without being judged as unfaithful or not good enough Christians. Many of us have experienced that in other congregations so we no the power of a safe, questioning community.
Pastor Jade and I are eager to answer your questions, to tell the story of this community and how they have come to this place. I encourage you to introduce yourselves to these faith seekers on Sunday as they worship with us.
In all of this though, it is good to be reminded that we are to guard what has been entrusted to us, the faith of Jesus Christ and the call to preach the Good News to all nations.
