"I Just Want to Come Home"

A few years ago, a cartilage pad in one of my toes ended up, not between the bones, but on top of the foot where it created a painful lump. I had it surgically removed and a titanium joint replaced it. I had just limped in for a post operation exam when I heard a man down the hall, in another cubical, screaming! When my turn came, the doctor - a former Nazi - bent my newly repaired toe up and down, trying to see if the new joint would actually snap off the foot if enough pressure were applied, meanwhile, he casually mentioned that the guy down the hall had been, "way too sensitive!" What he was saying was that the other guy was a wimp! Then he asked me - "does this hurt?!" Was he kidding?! Every nerve in my body just exploded, my lungs ran out of oxygen, and my brain was shutting down in self-defense! If he had been working for the CIA - I'd have confessed to the Kennedy assignation! But, I didn't scream! In the end, it turned out well, and I greatly benefited from the effort.

In a way, District Council is somewhat like that experience. (I may have picked a bad illustrations for this.) It is a lot of work and preparation for the three and a half days. It involves a lot of expense and apprehension as to how everything will turn out. It involves hotel contracts, credential recognition, financial accountability, business, resolutions, and travel. But, it also means, great fellowship, good food, and best of all, ministry - ministry of the Word - ministry to each other. We will walk away feeling like we are part of a family, a family with a common cause and a sense of camaraderie. We are fortunate in that we have something that others only wish they had.

For example, this week we interviewed a man who previously held credentials with the Assemblies, and is seeking them again. In the interview process with the Presbytery he said, "I just want to come home."

Like any family, we have some difficulties, but, it is always nice to be home.