I had an amazing week in Ashford, Wicklow, 40min south of Dublin, Ireland. I got in contact with these lovely people August 2010 after listening to a podcast from thegodjourney.com. What they shared resonated deep in my heart, and I got in touch with the Irish men on the podcast. A first attempt to meet in Kenya did not work out, though we developed a friendship with a group of lovely people in Webuye, Kenya.
This was out second try! I stayed with David and Nina, amazing warm and hospitable people. I was introduced to many of their friends, and I was able to have a closer look into, and enjoy with them, their unique way they are experiencing church life together. Our hearts knitted together in our love for our Jesus and our Father’s love for us. We had many good conversations. Though all days were good, the Friday stood out for 2 reasons. First we had lunch with about 6 men, followed by a “friendly” game of snooker! The friendship, genuine appreciation, and love between these men and for Father were evident. Not in any ill-religious formula, but in a simply manner through the conversations and during the game. I felt very warmly welcomed in their life’s, not as a strangers but as a brother. Second was the delicious dinner with my host and 3 other couples. The simple sharing of our lives and experiences was refreshing.
Back in Holland I have been staring at my screen for the last 3 hours, trying to make sense of this beautiful week in Ireland, trying to make a beautiful story out of it. But a story needs an ending, something which is lacking in my story! That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it means the story is still being written. So I thought just to write down what’s happening and look back a bit at the beginning! From somewhere in 2009 an uneasy feeling was oh so slowly creeping in my heart, not noticeable in the beginning but growing stronger every month. And feeling of unease about how we look at church, how we do church, but very personally at my own life as missionary and how I involved God in that. After reading several book, of which “So you don’t want to go to church anymore” had the greatest impact, I felt very frustrated with the church worldwide. At large the church has become and organizations with all kinds of goals and agenda’s, often neglecting a simple message of grace and overwhelming love of a Father longing simply, with the deepest passion, for His children.
But I was and am still firstly and mostly frustrated with my own life. I saw myself living as a religious missionary, following the ideals and guidelines of the organization. I did not feel like I was following the Friend Jesus promised us when he would leave earth. I was following principles and values, ideas and guidelines. Though there is nothing wrong in itself with those things, I realized I was following those and not Jesus.
God is leading us in a different understanding, and slowly in a different direction. I am, and we are, excited about that, because we realize we are following Jesus. I don’t know where or how, for now we continue as before, with the difference that we sense Jesus is leading, and with our ears wide opens to hear his voice and follow His footsteps.
Arnold
http://thegodjourney.com/2010/08/21/the-church-as-family/
