Walking back after the worship service at the close of our day, a few of us began to sing “This Little Light of Mine”. The song was sparked by Daphne’s comment about joining our lights together as we walked back to the guesthouse in the dark. Obviously when we each put our individual lights together, the path became clearer. As we walked and sang, I couldn’t help but reflect on the ways this truth had been a refrain throughout the day: Shine the light God has given you – be you.
In Dr. Jones’ lecture for the day he pointed out that unity does not equal uniformity. Rather, he said, unity is diversity plus a spirit of love. Instead of subscribing to the idea that the purpose of evangelism in the church is to produce a uniform unit of “Christian”, he asked us to imagine the possibilities of God’s work when each member of a congregation lives into the unique gifts that God gave them. When the individuals of the congregation shine their individual lights, the path before the church is clearer.
Haitian pastor, Dr. George Mulrain, made this point more global in his talk about encountering the Haitian Christ. In a country that possesses a rich heritage of standing up to oppression and working toward liberation, he encouraged our Haitian brothers and sisters to view their faith with the same spirit. All too often, he explained, the European understanding of Christ is imposed on cultures. Emily used the phrase “whitewashed”. The two of us were shocked to find that in a culture that is so deeply moved by music, that praise music was a point of contention for many Haitian congregations. Dr. Mulrain encouraged the Haitian ministers to own who they are as uniquely Haitian because there is a something Christ is doing in the Haitian culture that is liberating and salvific. Without their unique light, the larger light of Christ isn’t as clear.
Our Wesley small group talked about the importance of trusting and authentic relationships in ministry and in our personal lives. These relationships can only be formed when both sides present themselves as they are. Marguerite preached John 11:43-54 and her message, “Go Ahead, Tell on Me,” reminded us not to let the criticisms and mocking of others interfere with your drive and desire to do the will of God.
Shine the light God has given you – Be You.
Our walk led us back to the guesthouse where we were celebrating Karen’s birthday. It was an honor to celebrate with her the unique life that God had given her. Lorraine had made arrangements for a birthday cake, and as we guided Karen (a bit begrudgingly) to our “class meeting” our whole group yelled surprise and sung “Happy Birthday” with wide smiles. The celebration brought our lights together to make a bright light in a week that is proving to be so formational for many of us. Each of our paths have been intertwined to this juncture. For this week at the WMEI Seminar in Haiti, we see the brightness of our lives combined. For many of us it has been just bright enough for us to see the next step on the journey. May we leave this week with the confidence to let our lights shine before others, so they may see our good works and give glory to our father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Grace and Peace,
Amanda