“I could never do what you do”, the preacher said. \u00a0He was referring to life on the road and living out of a suitcase. \u00a0Arriving home one evening, immediately going through the bookkeeping and processing any love offerings given that past road trip, making sure bills are taken care of and household\/lawn stuff the next day or two before loading up the same suitcases with freshly washed clothes, reloading the truck and walking out, once again, for a week or 2 or 3.<\/p>\n
I respond the same way just about every time. \u00a0“I couldn’t do what you do either, pastor. \u00a0It’s a matter of the calling.” \u00a0The call of the road ministry is no more special than any other calling. \u00a0Whether you are in full time, bi-vocational \u00a0ministry or a lay ministry. \u00a0Except for today.<\/p>\n
It’s days like this where I struggle. Yesterday I got word that a good friend, a member of our Life Group (small group that meets on Sunday nights), an active member of \u00a0Hillcrest, and most importantly one of the strongest walks of faith I’ve ever seen, went home to be with the Lord. \u00a0Lynn White has been battling a rare cancer who’s name is longer than the 2 previous paragraphs and has been on this experimental treatment, flying to Boston as often as once a month. \u00a0It has been experimental because of the lack of test group, this cancer is so rare.<\/p>\n
For almost 3 years, I suppose, he’s fought this nasty infliction, all the while teaching youth Sunday School lessons but lessons that went considerably deeper. \u00a0I imagine the list of those he HASN’T made an impact on during this journey is shorter than one might think.<\/p>\n
Now for my struggle. \u00a0I received a call that his dear wife, June, had ask if I would play TAPS at the memorial service for Lynn on Monday. \u00a0The calling has me on the road at a Kid’s Camp in TN. \u00a0Would Lynn want me to change my plans? \u00a0Not a chance! \u00a0Would June? \u00a0No way. \u00a0That doesn’t change the heartfelt sorrow though. \u00a0The feeling of not being a part of a great church and church family happens at times. \u00a0It’s just the nature of being gone all the time. \u00a0Hillcrest does what they can as often as they can to remind and encourage us but this is one of those times where there are no words.<\/p>\n
Hey, don’t get me wrong…it’s the calling. \u00a0I’m ok with that…just venting a bit. \u00a0Please be in prayer for the Lynn White family. \u00a0June, his wife, and two sons David and Adam.<\/p>\n
We will pull out for Dyersburg, TN, early Sunday morning. \u00a0We love and appreciate you and ask that you pray for this upcoming camp season. \u00a0This is, many times, the most fruitful time of ministry we will have all year so pray for open hearts! \u00a0On a side bar, I’ve been told that this upcoming camp will not have any internet access and little cell service but I will do my best to keep you informed!<\/p>\n
Blessings,
\nJohn<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
“I could never do what you do”, the preacher said. \u00a0He was referring to life on the road and living out of a suitcase. \u00a0Arriving home one evening, immediately going through the bookkeeping and processing any love offerings given that … Continue reading