Roller Coaster

Life in a mission congregation is not a leisurely float down the lazy river at the water park.  It’s more like a roller coaster:  ups and downs and twists and turns as we make our way through the course the Lord of the Church has marked out for us.  Let me illustrate that by just one example ~

Over a year ago our previous pianist relocated to Alaska where her husband is involved in overseeing U.S.C.G. search and rescue in the state. Her leaving was a tough hit for our little mission to absorb. But when one considers the lives Capt. Deer is involved in saving, it would not do for us to feel too badly about our empty piano bench.  There are kids who are going to have their dads back, husbands who will still have their wives, generations to come will have a chance to be born, and another congregation is enjoying the skill and service of Amy - all because the Lord moved this family to another place. But what would we do about music for our worship services here at Ascension? 

After that family left I struggled a bit with MIDI via the mic input line on the piano triggered by powerpoint slides.  I’m no “techie” by any stretch.  But then one of our teens here at Ascension figured out how to run worship music via MIDI on that piano and then stepped up to volunteer to run it. Problem solved!  Sort of, because nothing beats a good trained musician leading and accompanying the singing in worship. 

And suddenly, there was Hannah!  Young and talented, she has served us faithfully twice a month for the last year or so, and we have really appreciated her service and her skill. But this past Sunday she informed me that she will only be able to play one more time before she leaves to study in Europe for a year. Another loss!  But when one consider that Hannah is still in the process of getting her education, it would be a bit self-centered of us if we begrudged her that opportunity just so she could continue playing for our services twice a month.  We wish her well, but what about our empty piano bench?

God was already on top of this. A few months ago the Lord knew he was going to open up this opportunity for Hannah to study in Europe for a while and quietly gifted us with a new family who are a delight to have in our church and whose father/husband is a very good organist/pianist.  Jon not only has a gift for music, he has become a gift from God to our growing mission.  Problem solved!  Again!

And so it goes in Jesus’ church.  True to his promise, he leads provides for his church – and has promised to do so until the end of time. Life in a mission congregation never ceases to amaze me! It is just awesome to watch God moving people around, filling key roles in unexpected ways, and all the while teaching us to trust him. It all makes for some moments that are white-knuckle and some moments that are arms in the air grinning - kind of like you get on a really fun roller coaster.  Life in a little but growing mission congregation isn’t for everybody, and that’s OK.  The Ferris wheel, the merry-go-round, and the tilt-a-whirl are quite fun, too.  But their course is quite predictable.  For those who enjoy ups and downs and quick changes of direction and slow and fast – well, you have a standing invitation to come to Ascension, strap in with us, and enjoy the ride!