Ministry glimpses

On the weekend we went to the South Calgary Chinese Evangelical Free Church. We’ve been there a few times and have really enjoyed it. This particular morning was a little unusual, though.

Everything was going fairly well, actually, except for the fact that the kids were even more full of energy than usual. Well, I was also quite sick that morning. But otherwise, we were there in good time and things were going fine. But just as the service was about to begin, I went to look for my song.

I was preaching, but also sharing about Mexico and singing. But where was my song? I could do it without the words and chords, but there were a few tricky chords and some Spanish words that I didn’t want to get wrong.

I checked my guitar case for another copy, and found an old handwritten copy with no chords. Ok, I thought, I’ll write in the chords. By now the service was starting. I went out and started writing in the chords, but then I realized this was an older version of the song with a few slight differences and no chorus. The chorus was the Spanish part that I was most concerned about. This is getting ridiculous.

Maybe I can do another song. But all my songs were back in that guitar case. The case was, of course, at the front of the church, where everyone could see the visiting missionary going in and out during worship time. But that’s the way it had to be – I grabbed my file folder and went to my seat. Everyone was standing to sing, so I did too, hoping there would be a lull in the service when I could look for a song.

Finally everyone sat down and I went to check in the folder. As I reached for it, I realized that there was a lull because they were introducing me. Uh oh. I reached in the file folder – I had a song in mind, could I find it? Yes! I found it right away, pulled it out, and headed for the stage.

Before I sang, I just had to mention what had happened – partly just because I was hoping someone would find my song and give it back! But also, it fit to share that God can use our blundering attempts to serve – it’s His power that does the work. I think the song went ok in the end – a miracle considering how I was feeling, and considering I hadn’t practised the song in months.

In the end, a few people told me that both the song and the sermon were very fitting for something the congregation was going through (something I hadn’t known about). I had had trouble deciding what to preach on too, so I praise the Lord that He had it all worked out. I know that the Lord will continue to take care of the congregation at SCCEFC, and us too, in many unexpected ways. It’s His way of reminding us that He cares, and that He’s in control – not us. Definately not us.

By the way, I found the song afterwards. So you don’t need to go looking.