A Season of Change
As I look at the falling leaves I am reminded of the old preacher in Ecclesiastes, "There is a
time and place or everything, a time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant and a time
reap", but most of all, "a time to change." The leaves of autumn tells a brilliant story. It tell
us that the summer made its call, the lush green grass of the lawns have had their
splendor, now the mystique of winter approaches and the snow shall soon come. Within it
all the beauty of God's creation remains unmatched.
Within the ACW we too have seen a season of change, but the vision is becoming
worldwide. Within the summer the vision of reaching out to the world has brought Sudan,
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia and Haiti to us and we stand ready to spread
the word of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have seen new beginnings in Ohio, Mississippi,
Missouri, Texas, and Massachusetts, we are blessed by God's guidance. We have also seen
many good men calling on us. The Rev. Dr John Githiga of Kenya will be our new bishop in
November. Rev. Deodatus Barwan Mwamba journeyed 6000 miles to received his charge
and has returned to the DRC as our Episcopal director. Hard working, Archbishop John
Thon Machar of Sudan, and a new Primate, Archbishop Christopher Atherley Of Barbados,
all ready going forth with the mission of the ACW. Through the grace of God, 2 plots of land
have been given to the ACW for development and church planting.
There are those who have come and left, some by their ambition, others their lack of
understanding the mission, but we maintain in good order with the vision set forth ready to
do more, we wait for nothing, but the guidance of God. We have extended ourselves in
assisting a publishing effort in the country of Kenya, with the magazine Revival Springs. We
continue in education to prepare and assist wherever we can.
The season was not without loss. As with life some things must end, but some end too
quickly, much too quickly. The death of the young Kevins, of Florida one by the hand of war,
the other by the darkness of night in an automobile. We see a young teacher in our area
brought her life to an end, when as she thought she could not handle its pressures. We see
a young student in one of our schools, and an attendee (sometimes) at Good Shepherd at
age 16 finds a lump in her breast, only to be told that she has cancer. These changes
sadden us, but it takes the child to bring us to order. "I do not have cancer", she said, "Just
a lump", as she gave us a smile.
There is a time to reap.
A friend in Massachusetts recently gave us a tour of her gardens, her beautiful flowers,
now withering, all the food that she grew, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and egg plants.
But now the vines lay lifeless, and begin to take their toll of death, but she does not
despair, "They will be back next year to begin, again." What a joy to hear her story.
Then there is a couple we married earlier this year. We paid on them our pastoral after
marriage visit, Said I to her, "Since the wedding you seemed to be eating well." "No.", she
said, "I wish to you to put me on your calendar for April of next year for a baptism." Another
season of change.
In this season of change, we have learned more of love, understanding, patience and
forgiveness.
The ACW is now coming to the end of its 8th year, Good Shepherd, our Mother Church its
10th. We have learned much, we have persevered, we have conquered hills that we never
thought we could, yet we have not done nearly enough, there is still much to do.
By God's grace we shall tarry a little longer, to seek that which is set before us and continue
to do that which we are charged as we closely listen the voice of God.