Maybe there isn't a better time than now to start writing and sharing some of my experiences. I mean, it's only been like two years since I posted anything on my blog!!
Anyway, in the past almost two years as Director of YPM, I don't think I have posted anything and I have had some great experiences, met many of God's children, and have had my heart strangely warmed on many occasions. (I hope my heart being strangely warmed happens constantly throughout my life).
This past week I had the privilege of attending the Global Board of Church and Society's Young Clergy Leadership Forum in Washington DC. I want to highlight a few of my experiences.
First, after three years at Wesley Seminary in DC, I never had the opportunity to go to The United Methodist Building, which is directly next door to The United States Supreme Court. As you might have guessed we spoke a lot about justice issues, but not only in the US context but in a global context as well. I heard from Rev. Ande Emmanuel from the West Africa Central Conference, Nigeria, and he spoke of battling the violence in his country through peaceful means. He shared the horrific violence from Boko Haram kidnapping the young ladies from his country...I thought, "How in the world do you fight that kind of violence, that type of injustice with peace?" God slowly gave me my answer that it is not through the peace of this world, but only through the peace of God through the presence of the Holy Spirit! We heard from many others that day including the former White House Spokesperson for President Clinton, Mike McCurry, but nothing stood out to me more than the call for peace in the midst of violent times.
The next day, my highlight was going in the senate building. I had not been inside the Capital since I went with my grandparents and my Uncle Paul when we got to sit in on a session (I'm thinking like 1978'ish). We were there for a morning session with the United States Senate Chaplain Barry Black...and all I can say is wow! He is definitely being used by God in incredible ways and is not afraid to speak a prophetic word or two when it comes to government. In the afternoon we came back to hear a panel discussion from some of our Democrat State Senators about Faith and Values and the roles they play in their lives as Senators. It was also good to see Delaware Senator Chris Coons on the panel and talk openly about his faith.
Quick interlude and shout out for those of you with ADD that think this blog is entirely too long...breaking it up shouting out to Rev. David Blackwood and Rev. Todd Christine...haha...and now back to our regularly scheduled programming...
Lastly, this experience would not have been the same without the awesome people that God has allowed me to share in their journey. The young clergy from around the world have a passion for Christ that ignites a fire in me to do more, be more, and serve others more for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus the Christ. I heard faith stories and journeys...I felt the breath of the Holy Spirit poured out upon me through chords of love that spilled from the voices of those anointed with the gift of song...and through preaching I heard a voice crying out from the wilderness that was preparing this world for the coming of the Lord; THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR, it is here but it is also, not yet. I met colleagues that turned into friends...we are part of a greater connection...(although The United Methodist Church does a great job connecting)...we are part of a greater connection that Fanny Crosby wrote about in one of my favorite hymns: Building Day by Day. The chorus is what I close with...
We are building day by day
As the moments glide away
A temple that the world may not see;
Every victory won by grace
Will be sure to find its place
In that building for eternity
Be Kingdom Builders...ESPERANZA!!
