God has been teaching Zach a few lessons about Christian fellowship. Shaking hands is an important part of Christian fellowship, symbolizing the fraternal connection we all have as Christian brothers and sisters. However, since getting chikungunya fever a few months ago, Zach has pretty horrible arthritic pain in his right hand. Every time he offers the right hand of fellowship, he cringes in pain, especially among the "importance-of-a-firm-hand-shake" crowd. So, Zach has taken up offering the "left hand of Christian fellowship." The only problem is that people don't really know what to do with this, and so a lengthy explanation is often required. Fortunately, Haiti, where we live and work, is not Africa, where offering the left hand is considered a curse. But Zach's experience with arthritic pain in his right hand has taught him something. Even when we are not feeling up to it, Christian fellowship, openness and a warm welcome are necessary for a healthy church and ministry. Our God welcomes everyone into his kingdom who repent of their sin regardless of sex, age, race, and history. So also, we, his church, must receive all people and show them God's grace.
Friday, July 18, 2014
The Left Hand of Christian Fellowship
God has been teaching Zach a few lessons about Christian fellowship. Shaking hands is an important part of Christian fellowship, symbolizing the fraternal connection we all have as Christian brothers and sisters. However, since getting chikungunya fever a few months ago, Zach has pretty horrible arthritic pain in his right hand. Every time he offers the right hand of fellowship, he cringes in pain, especially among the "importance-of-a-firm-hand-shake" crowd. So, Zach has taken up offering the "left hand of Christian fellowship." The only problem is that people don't really know what to do with this, and so a lengthy explanation is often required. Fortunately, Haiti, where we live and work, is not Africa, where offering the left hand is considered a curse. But Zach's experience with arthritic pain in his right hand has taught him something. Even when we are not feeling up to it, Christian fellowship, openness and a warm welcome are necessary for a healthy church and ministry. Our God welcomes everyone into his kingdom who repent of their sin regardless of sex, age, race, and history. So also, we, his church, must receive all people and show them God's grace.
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Well said, Z and S S-K! I shared a class in Chr. mission at CTS with you more than a decade ago. I remember you for really good questions.
ReplyDeleteHere's one from me: Zach, if you wear a little sign that says in French, "I take care of personal business with my right hand," you will not have to explain a thing.
Your children and their parents make a wonderful photograph. I will pray today for your very demanding work.
John Rozeboom, Oakdale Park Church
Dear Servants of God!
ReplyDeleteGreetings through Jesus name.
Its by God's grace and mercy to get your ministry contact.
We're touched with your teachings and encouraged by readings from
your ministry website and kindly please share more with us and help us
with your ministry's printable teaching materials for they will help
us in our young growing fellowship to grow spiritually and win more
souls to come to our Saving Lord Jesus Christ.
We humbly pray and request you to help us to know more about God's
Holy word and His will.
Please our beloved in Christ share the word of God with us and we
kindly hope that God will bless as you agree to share more His word to
us for His Kingdom purposes.
Our prayers is to bring many to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord.
We will be happy to read from you in Jesus name.
Yours in His service,
Sister Josephine & Brother James.