Once again it was Christmas in Hebron
Hall. This Ladies weekend is always special, and every year the wonderful
committee plan some special surprise for us.
We arrived to find beautiful Christmas
trees adorning the place. And then Saturday morning I could not get out of our
room because a row of Christmas stockings were strung across it, filled with
loads of nick knacks which are still surprising us.
But for me the very special Christmas gift
was the ministry. The joy of leaving our daily burdens and meeting up with so
many friends of old and new, being spoiled with the excellent meals, and the
lovely young people who served us, was all part of the of the blessing, but
most of all the ministry.
Just being Sarah is an important part of
her ministry. We loved hearing about her family, and especially we were touched
to see a photo of a seven year old with her little sister, one arm held firmly
behind her back, ashamed of her missing hand. Now she uses both arms as she
plays the key board with confidence and skill, never seeking to hide it.
I’m sure Kevin (the Clown) did us good as
we dissolved in laughter, even if we had already heard about his mother,
leading up to his proclamation of God’s great love for us, but when Sarah
announced her theme, Running the Race, and one session concerning the Marathon,
I knew God had me in mind as he had moved Sarah to prepare her ministry.
Probably many of us had felt the same, but
I can only share my story.
I had ben unwell of late. My beloved
Brother in law would have told me I was suffering from de-o-bitis – (date of
birth) – in other words ‘old age.’ I told my pastor that I felt I would have to
give up my ministries, but he spoke a word from God, - though I didn’t not
receive it as such at the time.
‘Pauline, I cannot allow you to do that,’
or words to that effect. I felt a little hurt, until God gave me a picture.
There I was, prostrate on the ground,
having failed to make the winning post, while God’s servant was on his hands
and knees, begging me to get up and assuring me that I could make it. Now here
was Sarah with just the same message.
Perhaps the greatest ministry in this
Well-Being conference was the worship. How we were lifted on wings as eagles,
the refrains of these wonderful songs still echoing around in my head. We were
so blessed by these two beautiful young women, whose whole lives are acts of
worship.
But perhaps the message I hope I will
never forget is this story Sarah shared.:- In London alone, with a few hours to
spare, she slipped into this cheaper seat, just as the concert was about to
begin. She was embarrassed that she was
in view of those in the expensive seats until the conductor stepped up the
podium. She was able to see the delight on his face, everything in his control.
Those in the best seats saw only the back of his head, but she could see his
face.
We behold the face of our
wonderful God. In the hard places, as well as the easy ones, let us remember
that.
