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At the same conference, I found myself in one of about eight
small discussion groups in one of many workshops offered in the
afternoons. As we introduced ourselves, I discovered that PC(USA)’s
coordinator for International Health Ministries, which includes
the HIV/AIDS component, was sitting a person away from me! Trying
to hold my jaw in place and not look too amazed, I truly was astounded!
With only about ten minutes together, we were able to meet discuss
what we needed to, giving her a better understanding of my work
involvement and ultimately helping her during discussions only
weeks later about my reassignment relating to an HIV/AIDS response
in South Africa.
Or Cindy, who "happened" to come to one church with
her daughter the Sunday I shared on my work. She reminded me (it
has been a long time!) we had double dated for a prom in high
school—2 Cindy’s with 2 Tom’s! Different schools,
one time. Why was she there that day? I don’t know. I know
I haven’t forgotten her or that meeting. Maybe something
encouraged or touched her that day as she did me.
But some things do become clearer in time….
Like Janet, who I met through the man she’s dating when
he and I were on the same airport shuttle bus in Sacramento. She
lives in Los Angeles but he was sure we had gone to the same high
school (definitely a God thing—all I could think was "That’s
hard to believe!"). Well, we did—one year apart—and
it turns out that Janet loves mission, has been on an outreach
in Malawi, loves Africa and has always dreamed of being a missionary!
She’s also the mission elder at her Presbyterian church,
so our futures could be intertwined in one way or another, and
I’ve gained a great friend through this "chance"
meeting.
Or Helen who, with her husband Elmer, were newly involved in
missions at their church and, looking for a speaker, went to PC(USA)’s
Web site to see who was available. For my time in the States I’d
listed my parent’s address, which "happens" to
be a short walk from their home! This is the same church where
I met Cindy and, wonderfully, we have all developed a special,
ongoing relationship. Quite grand, isn’t it?
And my friend Gary, a runner who came to South Africa to do the
"Comrade’s Marathon" (60 miles!) several years
ago, visiting a church partnership in Cape Town and volunteering
at AE for a week or two before. We’d kept in touch and when
I came home was able to get to Tallahassee to visit him, his wife
Peg, and their church, who also now partner with me in our work.
His faith, commitment, and heart for Jesus and His people have
so impressed, strengthened, and encouraged me that his friendship
is a valued gift.
As I sit here I can’t help tears from rolling down my cheeks.
How good God has been to me! I think when doctors worked on my
heart during bypass surgery in June (an event that came up just
before I was to return to South Africa, a whole other story of
"God things"!) that God cut open my tear ducts and turned
up the pressure, because tears seem to come so very easily to
me now.
But then my heart (or hearts—my now healthier physical one
and my heart for God) is filled to overflowing with awe and gratefulness
for who He is to me and for His constant, intimate care and love.
I’m especially thankful to each member of my family who surrounded
me with support and love during that time and the remembrance
of friends, who also encouraged me along the way. Thank you.
Now I’m ready to go back and continue the work we have started.
During this time of rest and recuperation, my God and Father has
restored, renewed, and encouraged me in my faith in many wonderful
ways. May He encourage you in yours as you have encouraged me
in mine. With thanks and a grateful heart for you, precious ones
who are in my life. In the sweet name of Jesus Christ, my Lord
and Savior.
Cindy
The 2002 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 46
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