Setting the table

We often chuckle in fond memory of the movie Field of Dreams, where Kevin Costner stands in a corn field and hears a voice whisper “if you build it, he will come”.  It’s an idea that we have often used in ministry, and it has become increasingly important in these covid pandemic days/weeks/months/year now. 

 

If we set the table, they will come.  Learning to do ministry in a covid safe world without responding with a spirit of fear has been a challenge.  Yet we’re living into that challenge and trusting God for the conversations and protection that we need.

 

2 Timothy 1:7 says…

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (New International Version ~ NIV)

 

The Message translation goes one step further…

And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. (The Message ~ MSG)

 

Let’s not be shy, people.  God doesn’t want us to be timid or shy.  And if ever in the history of our world, we who follow Jesus need to be bold, be loving, be sensible.  So be careful out there.  And trust in God’s amazing provision and protection.

We can't, at the moment, do our language cafés, but we sure have learned to max out our times with the populations that can gather right now....kids!!!

So thankful we packed this beautiful African table cloth from our time in Belgium ~ look at the happy place it found in our home in Sweden!

Youth in the house!

Fun fact that we learned recently.....Swedes love licorice!  Salty flavored black licorice was the favorite of the evening recently...

Banangrams....Swedish style!

A round of Qwirkle after Easter worship and lunch together....Steve and Barb were the big losers...

Celebrating birthdays recently....Barb received this card...for sure, a statement is being made here....fashion statement....attitude statement...you choose!

If you're going to have a slice of birthday cake, make sure it has whipped cream and berries...Swedish birthdays.  Grattis!

 

Go ahead and set the table.  God will provide!