Roy Medley - Hospitality Of The Poor

Traveling to Vanga, Lusekele and Kikongo reminded me anew of how rich is the hospitality of the poor. In every setting we were greeted by large groups of pastors, students and hospital staff who gathered by the airstrips. In some places they had waited for hours for our delayed arrival. But in each place we were treated as honored guests and were greeted by songs, cheers and official proclamations drawn up for the occasion. The welcoming Spirit of Christ is rich among our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I was also reminded of the power of the universal church. What encouragement both the churches here and our missionaries have felt through this visit.

Thus, we have been doubly blessed as your delegation. First we have been showered with love not because of who we are but because of you whom we represent. And secondly we have been blessed to be able to offer encouragement on your behalf to the church in the DRC.

Words and even pictures are but poor vehicles to communicate our experiences: the glory and beauty of our worship together; the tragic limitations wonderfully-trained hospital staff face in treating the injured and ill; the heartwarming dedication of pastors serving isolated rural villages; the hope the church represents in the urban community, and the challenge of being one in Christ across tribal loyalties and divisions.

The church in Congo, like the church in the US, both transcends and is a product of its culture. In the midst of that dynamic tension the church seeks to grow in wisdom, love and service. Let us pray that God will bless their biennial meeting which is now in session and the decisions it will make.