Sadly, while all of us would hope to be able to describe our local church as "caring",the reality may well be different. But that is exactly what every church should seek to be. Sent by a Roman Emperor to spy out people called Christians, it is said the Aristides commented "Behold how they love one another!". But this was not a comment in sarcasm or irony, but of admiration. This was a comment on a love that is prepared to be self-sacrificing. The quote is also attributed to Tertullian in some sources.
Much of the past week has been focused on concern for my partner in ministry, Monica Cook. During this time she learned that the cause of various symptoms that had been worrying her was, in fact, a brain tumour. Since Monica is single and lives alone in Battle, East Sussex, I was naturally concerned for her welfare. I have been in the final stages of recovering from a nasty virus that sets up a chest infection. Taking that to Monica would not have been kind. Fortunately, Monica is a member of a truly caring church (though I'm sure its not perfect). A single phone call to one of the members started things moving. Visits were made and food was brought in for her.
Last Sunday she managed to get herself to church where a Christian doctor quickly identified something was seriously wrong. He contacted Monica's doctor, who had only just returned from holiday. Within hours others were alerted, Monica's needs at this time had been identified, and a team of carers formed who have helped her get up and dressed, washed and fed, given company, and undressed and put to bed. Friends took her to hospital and doctors appointments, and helped her handle the difficult questions. Her friends and prayer partners around the world were alerted. Message of love and assurance of prayer came pouring in.
As I was pondering this issue of the Praise & Prayer News a few days ago I saw that the verse for the day on Bible Gateway was, "Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and truth" (1 John 3:18) How appropriate! This particular verse is preceded by a remarkable challenge. I guess you may well be able to quote John 3:16 to me. But can you quote 1 John 3:16 which talks of laying down our lives for our sisters and brothers? My early Christian life was greatly influenced by a man called George Verwer who often quoted that verse, so it has stuck in my mind!
Of course, we do not need to wait until a crisis such as with Monica to demonstrate true love and care. Every day will bring opportunities. As John Kemble's famous hymn (New every morning is the love) comments, "The trivial round, the common task will furnish all we ought to ask: Room to deny ourselves; a road to bring us daily nearer God" I know a young man who personalised those words and stuck it on the wall of his office to challenge him daily. Scripture does provide many illustrations of truly caring. The early church was organised so that widows who had no other means of support were cared for by the church. It even appointed a team of people to manage the programme. The church at Philippi, Macedonia, gave sacrificially to help the Christians in Judea at a time of famine. Paul, speaks of his own love for the church at Ephesus as causing his own life to be poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice of their service to God.
True love costs. It costs time. It requires self-denial. It might cost energy and money. But we cannot say we love or care if we are not willing to pay the price. I have witnessed Monica care in such a way for over 40 years. An amazing work in the village of Obambo, Kenya exists as witness to that commitment. I am so thankful that in her hour of need such a wonderful group of people have rallied around and shown love the Bible way.
Over the next days, Monica will be meeting with specialists, have further tests and discover what treatment she needs (almost certainly surgery). Please pray for her, her brother for whom this has been a deep shock, and for th team from Battle Baptist Church. Pray too for their pastor, Denis, who during these same days lost his mother and is also coping with a very sick brother. You can find a regularly updated page on our website.
Our challenge for this week is to ask ourselves do we really care? Are we really a caring church? Is it visible and do others understand that it is motivated by the sacrificial love that Jesus has shown to us?
From the Diary
Sunday 1st March (Incidentally Doreen and I celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary today) I am taking the Morning Meeting at Yelvertoft, Northamptonshire (the first time after a 3 week absence through illness).
Monday 2nd March - Lubenham School assembly (Leicestershire)
Tuesday 3rd March - Planning meeting for 'Holiday at Home' Outreach in Market Harborough in the morning and back after the break to HMP Gartree in the afternoon.
Thursday 5th March - the third of our lent series "Faith through Other Eyes" It has been great to see numbers grow. See the website for summaries of the two meetings held so far.
Friday 6th March - I am leading the meeting for the Women's World Day of Prayer at Crick, Northamptonshire.
Saturday 7th March - routine hospital appointment with an endoscopy to check up on Barrett's Oesophagus.
Sunday 8th March - back with my super folk at Yelvertoft once more.
I am thankful that the consequences of the virus that attacked me are nearly gone. Praise pray that these ill completely go. This week i shall be able to schedule the next Rural Mission Webinar which I should be able to run without coughing throughout! |
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