Waite for it…

I met the gentleman I mentioned yesterday at the Volusia County Library Center, where I have never been before.  Actually, a very nice place off of Beach Street near the river.  I recognized him right away and we had a short but great conversation.  We prayed together.  Yes, he needed a little financial help and I was ready with that.  Talked a little about his past and his future.  He’s got a strong faith and really wants to come to church, but I think he’s underestimated the distance from his new place to our church (about 35 miles)  With no transportation, I’m not sure how things will turn out.

He and his wife have only been here a week or so, and only gotten back to their faith in the last few weeks.  I said I’d call him on Friday night when  he had moved to  his new place.  I guess we’ll see what happens.

I heard this staccato phone message at my office, just before I headed home after services on Sunday:

“Name:  Rick.  Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx.  Terminal cancer.  Missouri Synod Lutheran.  Call me.”

The message was left at about 9:20 on that Sunday morning.  Guess he didn’t think I’d be busy at that time.

Yes, I called him today.   I called out of duty rather than compassion.  I’ve gotten calls like this before.  The conversations usually head in the direction of needing some financial help.

I caught him at work, roofing a house.  While his condition was terminal, he was making a go of it and actually doing a little better.  He’d soon be moving to Palm Coast, would be heading back to church, and could I meet him to talk.  I didn’t realize he was a few towns away, so it would have to be tomorrow.

I’ll probably spend most of my time with him listening to his story.  And I may give him a little money.  I am pretty sure I won’t ever see him at church.  This will be one off those ministry moments that will bring me in touch with someone I won’t see at church, but need to know about.  The world is filled with people in that situation, most of whom I will never get to know.  So here is my chance to learn a little about life from another point of view.

I’ll let you know what happens.

This is the tie I wore today.  I only get to wear it once, maybe twice a year, like today, as we celebrated Epiphany.  Were there three of them?  Did they look like that?  Where did they really come from?  Who knows.  The account of the wise men’s visit is filled with mystery, but they are a staple in our celebration of Jesus’ birth.  And as I told the congregation this morning, their arrival is a game changing performance, fulfilling prophecy that Jesus came as Savior for all, Gentiles and Jews alike.  Good thing for us.  I think we only had two people from Jewish backgrounds among us this morning.  The rest of us were non-Jews.

Some year I’ll plan ahead and have some frankincense and myrrh on hand to show people.  Gold I can get my hands on.