Which Side of the World?

This morning we were blessed to worship at Peace Lutheran Church in Monroe, WA. Actually, this church is the reason we’re up here in the GORGEOUS Northwest in the first place.

Well, actually, that’s not true. The first reason we’re up here in the GORGEOUS Northwest is the Philippines, and a tiny mountain village called San Roque that I was introduced by Rev. Todd Roeske nearly two years ago. As positions were shifting a bit in the Asia Region I became aware of his work on the the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, a work he began decades ago but continues twice yearly now. I joined him over Reformation Sunday for preaching and teaching with a group of pastors that constitute the Tagakalau Lutheran Church of Christ in the Philippines (TLCCP), a small church body the LCMS helped start decades ago. Below are a few photos from that amazing experience.

But I haven’t seen him since then, though we keep in regular contact electronically. So I e-mailed him and asked if he knew of any congregations in the Pacific Northwest that might appreciate (or tolerate, or humor) a visit from an overseas worker. To my surprise, I had more invitations than I knew what to do with, starting with Todd.

So here we are, in awe of the beauty of this part of the country we’ve loved so long, both together and individually. And getting to worship with Todd’s church. And wouldn’t you know, Gena met someone from Papua New Guinea! It’s a very small Lutheran world!

While Home Service is a lot of work (especially for introverts!), we really love doing it. Invariably, no matter what the congregational size is or how long we’re there, we meet someone with some sort of deeper connection. Sometimes a shared friend, sometimes a geographical connection, but always something that leads us into a conversation full of surprises and smiles.

In this particular situation it’s even better, because I get to see Todd in both of his worlds (or at least two of them). I got to see him in the Philippines, speaking Tagakalau and eating fried banana in shorts and a head bandana, and I get to see him here, loving his people and guiding them to the gifts God brings us in worship. It’s a wonderful opportunity!

We’re grateful to the congregations that welcome us into their midst. It’s a blessing to us because we get to see the larger church – quite literally – one congregation and country and culture at a time. It’s also a blessing (we hope) to congregations, who get additional practice in welcoming strangers into their midst. Hopefully we’ll be seeing you soon!