A 2020 Review: We Are Foreigners

Dan was honored to be asked to preach a sermon for today, Dec. 27th 2020 which was reflective in nature, especially concerning this past year. If you would like, you can read it here:

2020 is FINALLY coming to an end. There are really no words to describe how this year has been, and yet as we draw near the finish line, that’s what many of us are compelled to do. A friend of mine asked their social media friends this past week, “what word best describes 2020 for you.” There were many answers. People said things like, “unexpected”, “challenging”, “exhausting”, “devastating”, “depressing” – although some of the words were what one might consider neutral – unexpected, challenging – there wasn’t a single adjective used that was definitively positive. In fact, the majority of them were quite negative. I believe that it is safe to say that this year has held a lot of disappointment and sorrow for everyone, and has left no one untouched.

 As I was thinking about what word best represents how this year felt for me, I realized more and more, that the word that kept popping up in my mind was “foreign”.

 

It felt foreign to see everyone wearing masks. It felt foreign to not be able to go to church. It felt foreign to not be able to visit family. It felt foreign to not be able to send our children to school. It felt foreign to not be able to shop for all the things that we needed. It felt foreign to not be able to leave our city.

 

While thinking on these things, I realized – yes, this year has felt MORE foreign than other years, however as Christians, the Bible actually calls us foreigners. The Bible tells us many times that this world is not our home, that we are called to a higher purpose. This year has simply magnified this truth.

 

So today, as an “expert and fulltime-foreigner”, I would like to take a little time to look at what it means to be a Christ-follower in a fallen world.

 

1.   Being a foreigner is hard

 

My family and I are quite familiar with the “foreigner” experience. We love living in your country! However, many things are harder for us, as people who are not Slovene. Every couple years we have to renew our residency permits. This entails a lot of paperwork. It has to be sent from America. Then it has to be translated into Slovene, and submitted to the local upravna enota. Sometimes they write, and say we need another piece of paper. Or that the paper we gave is too old now, and we need a newer one. Or one with a “more” official stamp. That’s just to live here legally. Then there are things like doctors’ visits and getting our children into school. All of those things are harder, more complicated for us, because we are foreigners. 

 

God likens our experience as Christians in a fallen world to this. 

 

 

In 1 Chron. 29:15 it says

We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.

 

Wow. “Without hope.” That sounds very bleak, and very unlike the things we are used to hearing about our lives. But it’s important to note, that the writer is saying that our days HERE are without hope, meaning that if we put our faith in things of the world instead of God, THEN we are without hope. Because God is our hope.

 

It is hard to live as Christians in a world that isn’t meant to be our home. There are things around us every day that we have to navigate – things we can see on television, things we can read, relationships we can get involved in, injustices we can ignore. It is hard to say “no” to a job that seems great, but where you’ll be expected to look the other way sometimes. It is hard to say “no” to a relationship that you want, but know will not bring you closer to God. It is hard to say “no” to watching a popular movie or TV show that everyone else is talking about, because you know the message is problematic. Every day, we as Christians make hard decisions.

 

1 Peter 2:9 encourages us in this way:

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

 

We live differently, because God has set us apart for His purpose. Yet, it can be hard, but we know that our relationship with God is the most precious thing in our lives, and so we live in His wonderful light.

 

2.   Other people don’t always understand us

 

I am sure that most, if not all of you have traveled outside of Slovenia at one point or another, to a place where they did not speak your language. Can you think of a moment when you were trying to make yourself understood, and yet none of your pantomiming, waving or gestures helped? Living here in Slovenia, this happens to us quite frequently, but one of our favorite is a story I would love to share with you today.

 

The day that we first moved into our apartment in Ljubljana, we spent the day unpacking boxes, and were too tired to cook. There was a little restaurant around the corner from us, and we decided to check it out. On the menu I saw in big letters, in English STEAK. Now, to understand this story, I have to tell you that in America, the word “steak” is a certain cut of beef. It can be thick or thin, cooked a couple ways – but it is ALWAYS beef. Now, I also have to tell you that steak is one of my favorite things to eat, so when I saw it on the menu of the restaurant I would be living next to, well, it made me quite happy! So, when the waitress came and asked for our order, I said I wanted the steak, and she said, “okay, do you want pork steak, or turkey steak?” Now, to me this was very confusing, because those things aren’t steak. And to her it was very confusing because, she also did not understand what I wanted.

 

1 Peter 2:11 says

Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.

 

As Christians, the things we do, or the things we say can be hard, or even impossible to understand. Someone who doesn’t have a relationship with Christ won’t understand why you donate 10% of your income, your tithe, to your church, for example. 

Both my wife and I have parents who support our decision to live here, but we also know of people like us, who work with churches in other parts of the world whose families are very angry with them for living so far away, for taking their grandchildren so far from them. 

As Christians, we have very specific views on marriage, that don’t always line up with what the world is saying. Our family and friends who are not Christ-followers may not understand why. 

People work very hard during the week, and the weekend is seen as very special and private. Most people have a hard time understanding why we would spend our Sunday mornings in church, instead of doing something else.

 

When we are surrounded by so many different views, views that often imply that we are “strange” or “weird” or “wrong”, it can be very hard to shut those voices out. However, we know that we are compelled to sacrifice our lives because of the love Jesus has shown us. 

We understand that our tithe supports the running and ministry of the church we love so much. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, God loves a cheerful giver. We know that we are being obedient in our hearts when we give. 

Those of us who choose to work with churches understand that God has a call – for everyone – and we are simply answering that call. We are humbled that God would choose to use us.

We understand that God’s parameters for marriage are made out of His love for us, and because of the beautiful image God uses to describe the church as his bride.

We understand that as Christians, there is nowhere we would rather be, than with fellow believers, worshipping the Lord who created us, saved us and loves us. It is not a “sacrifice” of our time, but rather a joy to spend time in the house of the Lord.

 

As people not of this world, others around us often don’t understand us. But we are not made for the approval of man, but rather God’s.

 

3.   The World Doesn’t Feel Like Home

 

Now, this is the part of the sermon where my family’s experience differs from what I am going to share. Slovenia 100% feels like home. You have ALL been so kind and accepting of us. We love our neighbors, we love our children’s schools and teachers. We have never felt more at home as a family than we do here.

 

However, as Christians, this world does not always feel like home. Often we feel lost. We feel like we don’t belong. 

 

This is not accidental. Once we accept Jesus into our lives, there is nothing else in this world that will fill our hearts the way he does. There is now a longing in us to be with him. When we turn to this world to fulfill our needs – relationships, jobs, finances – we are taking our eye off of the fact that we are foreigners in this land. This world doesn’t feel like home because it’s not SUPPOSED to. It is not our calling. We are not to collect riches or accolades here, because the things of this earth will pass. 

 

Hebrews 11:13-16 says it this way

¹³ These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. ¹⁴ For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. ¹⁵ If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶ But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

 

That last bit is incredible. Because of the people’s desire for a heavenly country, God is not ashamed to be called their God. Wow. I want to be known like that. I want to be someone that God is not ashamed of. That if someone were to say, “the God of Daniel”, that God would smile, and say, “that’s me!”

 

When this world starts to feel like home – that’s when we need to start worrying. That means that we’ve replaced God with people or things. It means we have moved those things into the position of “God” in our lives. Those things or people can be anything – ambition, respect, financial stability, our children, our spouse, a job, what people thing about us… none of these things are inherently wrong, but when they become the most important things in our lives, it’s time to reevaluate. All of the things I mentioned earlier are things this world says should matter, that having these things will make us feel at home, but the truth is, that Jesus is our home. In John 15:4, Jesus invites us to “abide” in Him. 

 

4. Because we have Christ, we have hope

 

All the things that I have spoken about today are beautifully summed up in the whole 4^thchapter of 2 Corinthians. I encourage you to take the time to read through it. It talks about our afflictions, about unbelievers not seeing the light of the Gospel, about being pressed on all sides – it’s almost as if it had been written in 2020.

 

As the chapter makes its way through all of that, it comes to the very last verse, verse 18 and says “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” To fix our eyes on something, we have to have hope, to know that it is here.

 

My wife used to be a ballerina, and one of the tricks ballerinas use for spinning, is to pick out a point on the wall, or in the crowd, and spin their head around quickly to find it each time. It helps keep the dancers from wavering, from falling, from losing their place. Keeping their eyes on a fixed mark. Much like Peter, when he stepped out of the fishing boat to walk to Jesus – the moment he took his eyes off of Jesus, he started to drown. Oh, if that isn’t exactly how this year has felt! Every single time we focus on the problems, on the difficulties instead of Jesus, we start to sink. Every time we focus on the COVID numbers, on the restrictions, on the losses, on the financial struggles, on the relationship strains, on the changed plans, on the people we miss – it just all starts to feel like too much, like water closing in around us. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, when we look to him, we reach out to him, to he who is our hope – we are saved.

 

People everywhere are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and depressed. Our friends and family who don’t have Christ are completely hopeless. Their faith in their jobs is shook, their faith in the economy is rattled, their faith in their health is gone – what does that leave?

 

But WE, we have faith in Christ. We know that whatever comes our way, that Christ is in control, and will guide us through. However, we are not meant to keep this hope for ourselves. We are called to share that hope with the person you were thinking about while I was talking about unbelievers a moment ago. That brother, sister, friend, coworker, neighbor – you are called by God to share his hope with them. I encourage you to find a way to reach out to them – the New Year is a terrific opportunity for that! Offer to help in any way you can. Offer to be a listening ear for them, to pray for them, to simply be there for them. We are God’s hands and feet here on earth, and we are called to love those whom he puts in our path.

 

Yes, we are foreigners in this land, and this year has shown that more than ever. Yes, it can be hard being a foreigner. Yes, people around us don’t always understand us. BUT we have hope in the sovereignty of God, of his provision, and of his love. Although we are foreigners in this land, this is our assurance. Much as foreigners find themselves, we are ambassadors of whom we represent. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says it this way, “therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” Our home is with Jesus, and we should strive to live our lives in such a way that it compels those we encounter to search for Jesus on their own. 

 

If I was the only American you ever met, your view on Americans would represent what you think of me. If I were rude and loud, you would probably think at least most Americans are like that. If I were kind and respectful when we met, you may think I’m just a nice person, but there would probably be a part of you that thought overall Americans must be that way.

It is the same with Christians. We may be the only Christian that our friends and family will meet. If we as people who claim Christ are unkind, angry, or dismissive towards people, then that will be their overall view of Christians. If, however, we are kind and loving, especially to those who don’t deserve it, if we feed the hungry, help the sick, love those who feel unlovable – then that is going to be their view of Christians, but most importantly Christ as well.

 

In this New Year, things may still feel very foreign for quite some time. I encourage you to love people anyway. You may feel a desire to just retreat into yourself and your own problems. Reach out to people anyway. You may be overwhelmed by everything going on. Be kind anyway. This world may not be our home, but God has placed us here as caretakers in the meantime. In fact, God loves this world and everyone in it more than we can even fathom.

 

Remember, John 3:16 says “For God so loved the WORLD that He gave his only son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

How To Deal With Life's Disappointments - A Biblical Approach

As coronavirus has taken the world by storm, we are all having to revamp our plans. Dan was scheduled to preach in Ptuj this Sunday, however the Pentecostal movement here in Slovenia has decided to cancel services until further notice. The topic he was asked to preach on was, interestingly enough “disappointment”. We thought that many people would be feeling disappointed in the current climate, and decided to share the sermon here. 

With everything going on in the world, “fear” is the emotion that is getting all the attention, but there is another one many of us are facing – disappointment. Disappointment in canceled plans or trips; disappointment in how people are reacting to this situation; disappointment in having to rearrange our schedules; disappointment in being stuck at home.

The truth is, that although disappointment is something we all experience, it is not something that we talk about a lot in church – or really anywhere. Disappointment is something that we all face. It can come from any number of things. Disappointments can come from our own failures, the failures of others, or sometimes just the way that life plays out. We can experience disappointments in our relationships, in our jobs, in our circumstances, in what we see in the world around us, but even in our relationship with God. When looking for Biblical examples of people who experienced disappointment, honestly you could choose anyone.

There is Moses, who because of the choice of the Israelites to not possess the land God had given them, and then because of his own anger was not allowed to go into the Promised Land. He brought the Israelites out of Egypt specifically for this one purpose – but then was not able to see it actualized in his own lifetime.

There is David, who because of lust, and his disregard for human life lost his infant son with Bathsheba.

There is Saul, who although was God’s anointed one lost God’s favor because of his disobedience.

There is Hagar, who was used by Abraham and Sarah to force God’s promise, but was then discarded after Isaac was born.

The Bible is full of stories of disappointment. This is not something that is new. The question for us as Christians is “What should our response be to disappointments? How are we to deal with them in a way that is ultimately glorifying to God.”

Today I would like to take a look at two Biblical figures, and their response to disappointment. One will be a lesson in “how to”, and the other will show us “how not to”.

1.    Firstly, I would like to take a look at Jonah. The book of Jonah in the Bible is rather short. It is only 4 chapters long, and yet the majority of us are only familiar with the first three chapters. Jonah hears from God to go to Nineveh. Jonah doesn’t want to go to Nineveh, because he doesn’t think the Ninevites deserve God’s forgiveness, so he runs away on a boat headed in the other direction. God sends a storm to get Jonah’s attention. The other passengers throw Jonah overboard to appease God. God sends a large fish to swallow Jonah. While Jonah is in the fish’s belly, he repents, and asks for God’s forgiveness. After three days, Jonah is spat out onto the shore. He makes his way to Nineveh to tell the people to turn from their wicked ways, or God will destroy their city. The people of Nineveh are moved by his words, and do exactly that. They repent, and turn to God for forgiveness – God spares Nineveh. It’s a great story, isn’t it? Except, unfortunately that isn’t where the story ends, even though it’s the part we are most familiar with.

In chapter 4, we see Jonah’s true colors. He had gone east of the city and made camp, to see what would happen to the city. He was waiting to see God take his wrath out on the evil in the city. Even though Jonah was sitting there with hatred in his heart, God caused a plant to grow near him and give him shade. When the city was not destroyed, Jonah was angry and disappointed that God did not annihilate the city of Nineveh. He even tells God that this is why he didn’t want to come in the first place, because he knew that God was a gracious God. Jonah was disappointed that the people of Nineveh didn’t get what he felt like they deserved – punishment.

At this, God causes a worm to eat the leafy plant, so it dies. This further angers Jonah, however God shows him how ill-placed that anger is. He was more upset about a plant dying than all the people of an entire city. God admonishes him, and the book of Jonah ends with a question mark.

Hmm… Let’s take a look at another person from the Bible, and see how they handled disappointment.

2.    The second person we will take a look at is Hannah. You may not be as familiar with Hannah. She was the mother of the famous prophet, Samuel. Hannah was one of two wives to a man named Elkanah. She was unable to have children, which was the greatest desire of her heart. One day she was at the temple praying. She promised the Lord, that if He would give her a son, that she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service. That she would, in essence “give him back” to God. The priest, Eli saw her mouth moving and no sound coming out, and thought she was drunk. He went to chastise her. She told him of her prayer and disappointment. He blessed her, and sent her on her way. She went home and worshipped God. Because of Hannah’s faith and relentless praying, God opened her womb, and she and Elkanah welcomed a son. They named him Samuel. When he was still a young child, Hannah brought him to live at the temple, just as she had promised. Samuel grew up to be one of the most important prophets of the Bible. Would you like to hear another beautiful detail of this story? Samuel wasn’t Hannah’s only child. God blessed her with 5 more children. Her disappointment turned to joy. God did not leave her arms empty.

3.    Now, let us compare the two. Hopefully you were able to discern which of the two responses is the one we should be modeling.

Where Jonah’s immediate reaction was anger, Hannah’s was grief-filled prayer.

Where Jonah accused God, Hannah worshipped God before the miracle even took place (1 Samuel 1:19).

God’s response to Jonah was to rebuke and admonish him. God’s response to Hannah was blessing.

How does that look in our life? Here are some practical points to help us navigate disappointment.

1.    Disappointment in itself is not a sin. However, it opens the door to doubt, which ultimately can lead to sin.  Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Doubt can be a detriment to our faith, which can cause us to be bitter towards the Lord and those around us. Bitterness is a killer of love and joy.

2.    We need to put all of our faith in God – not people. Has someone disappointed you? Has a friend let you down? Did you marry, thinking that your spouse would fill every need in your life? The truth is that we all have an emptiness in us that only God can fill. Being disappointed by people is inevitable; it’s a part of life. God, on the other hand does not disappoint. Isaiah 40: 28-31 says, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” God is not like people; he doesn’t grow tired or weary, and has all the understanding in the world, and beyond. We can’t go wrong by putting our hope and our faith in Him.

3.    Our circumstances cannot dictate our faith.Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Circumstances, by their nature change. Sometimes everything is going well, we are healthy, we have a good job, and our future seems bright. This does not mean that God loves us more, or that we have more favor. Sometimes we have setbacks at work, our lives are altered by an unexpected illness, or the world around seems unsure and unsafe. Sometimes a crazy virus changes everyone’s lives. This does not mean that God loves us less, or that we have lost his favor. Our faith cannot be conditional on our circumstances – it needs to be in the Lord. Romans 8:28 tells us that God is able to use any and all circumstances for our good. But the condition is that we are to love and trust Him.

4.    Thankfulness is the antidote of disappointment.Even in her deep disappointment, Hannah’s response was to worship God. She worshipped Him not only for what He was doing, but also for who he was. If our hearts are full of thankfulness, there will be no room for disappointment. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” This does not mean that we are ignoring the disappointment, but rather we are framing it through God’s lense. A very practical way of doing this, is by thinking of all the things we have to be thankful for. Even as we are unsure now, and are needing to change moving plans, we were talking to our son, and saying, “wow, we are so thankful that we have a place to call home and to go to.” “We are so blessed to have friends who are willing to help us.” “Thank you God that we have all the food that we need.” This can really help put things into perspective.

5.    We won’t always get the answer we want, but that doesn’t change God’s goodness. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Yes, Hannah’s prayers were answered like she hoped, but that wasn’t and isn’t always the case. Moses wasn’t allowed in the Promised Land. David’s infant son died, Saul’s anointing was taken away, and Hagar had to build a new life as a single mother. Even Jesus asked God before he was crucified, if there is any other way for the salvation of mankind, could he please take it. God’s answer was “no”. But according to the verse we just read, a “yes” answer isn’t what we should be after – it is the peace of God, which comes from surrender.

So, during this time of upheaval and unrest, we will all encounter disappointment. This is natural, and God can totally handle your emotions. But let’s try to remember to keep it in check, to approach it from a Biblical standpoint, and remember to put our faith in God. He is in control and greater than anything that may come our way.

 Thank you for praying for us during this transition, we are also lifting all of you up!

We are thankful for your love support!

Summer Has Come and Gone

It has been much too long since we've updated you all on our blog, and with summer activities wrapping up the world over, it felt like a good time to give you all a recap.

We do send out newsletters every quarter, so if you would like to stay updated on a regular basis, please shoot us an email, and we'd be happy to add you to our mailing list!

Here are some of the main projects we were able to be a part of the last few months:

English Camp Ptuj

Our friend who is the pastor in the city of Ptuj asked for Dan's help in leading an English camp out of his church. This camp was specifically designed as an English tutoring day camp for local kids and teens. Dan was asked to be in charge of some of the daily activities, which included geo caching, teaching first aid, basic flora and fauna knowledge, as well as the use of certain tools. After the camp finished, the families were invited to church with a meal afterwards. There were 3 families who came, Dan preached about the Prodigal Son and invited people to come home to the Father - and one family went forward to receive salvation! We visited the church again a month later, and the family is still attending - how exciting! Starting in September the church will host weekly "English Club" meetings to continue to foster the relationships started with these kids. Dan has been asked to help with the planning and leading of those as well. Please be praying for traveling mercies for Dan as he drives to Ptuj once a week (thanks, STL!), that God's truth to be evident to these students, that their hearts would be turned towards Christ, and that lives would be changed!

Young Adult Camp

Those of you who have been faithfully following us on social media know that Dan is on the national leadership team for the young adult/najmladi ministries. This summer Dan was asked to prepare the daily devotions for camp. He put together S.O.A.P. booklets for everyone, and led the devotions. This was  a completely new method for our Slovene friends, and they really loved it! Some of the students even emailed Dan to ask for more verses that they could dive into! 
Dan also helped with the cooking, led a KUBB (Scandinavian game) tournament, built a giant Jenga set, and led some one of the workshops. Any time spent with the najmladi crowd is time well spent! We are so thankful for how welcoming they've been to Dan specifically, and for the relationships being built.
We were able to host the camp debrief meeting in our home, which gave Abigail and the kids a chance to get to know the team members a little. They very thoughtfully gave us a gift, saying how much they appreciate us "sharing" Dan with them.

Royal Rangers Camp

Since Dan completed NTC training and became a Royal Ranger commander a few months ago, he was very excited to be a part of this year's Royal Ranger camp. He was asked to once again, lead the morning devotions, and was thrilled to be able to! Although it stormed one of the nights, he got stung by a wasp JUST as he was leaving, he had to use a port-o-potty, and use a garden hose for showers, he had a terrific time! The kids learned all kinds of great skills while learning about God and the wonderful world He made. They went on hikes, kayaking, the kids cooked all the meals, learned songs, chanted - and everyone stayed safe! (See photo at top of newsletter for group shot.) It was an exciting year to be a part of camp, as Slovenia celebrated 10 years of Royal Rangers! Thank you to everyone who was praying for him - and Abigail who had to do his laundry afterwards.

The Puzzle

One of the beauties about The Puzzle ministry is that it can be performed in so many languages! We were invited by missionary associate Kay Farmer who is the children's pastor at Riverside Church in Budapest, Hungary to come be a part of their back-to-school bash and do The Puzzle in English! Our team was happy to oblige, and we had a stupendous time!

Thank you, everyone who prays for us, checks in on us, encourages us and supports us. We are so blessed to have you on this journey with us. Thank you for continuing to pray for us as we leap into the fall season. We are praying blessings on you!

Saint Patrick - Beyond Shamrock Shakes, Corned Beef and Leprechauns

Saint Patrick's name is well-known throughout the western world, but his legacy is often overshadowed by the many traditions associated with the holiday bearing his name.

We as a family have Irish roots on both sides, so we have shamrock shakes, wear green and try to eat something "Irish" on March 17th of each year.

However, on closer inspection, there is much more to the man behind the "green".

Saint Patrick was born into a Christian family, however he was not a believer himself.  When he was 16 years old, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates, and taken to Ireland as a slave.  He worked as a shepherd for 6 years, during which time he prayed, and encountered God, eventually giving his life to Him.  As Saint Patrick recalls the story, in a vision God told him to escape, and that his ship was waiting for him.  He ran away, and managed to get to a dock, where he was granted voyage on a ship.  He made his way back home, where he began studies to be a priest.

He had a vision, which prompted him to return to Ireland - to the same people who had kidnapped him years ago - and share the Gospel of Christ with them.  And he obeyed.

And so, he became a missionary to the people who enslaved him.  He refused payments for baptisms.  He reached the wealthy as well as the poor.  He refused gifts from kings, so that he could not be persuaded by man.  He was beaten and put in chains for his beliefs. Legend has it, that he used a three-leafed clover to explain the Trinity to the Irish.  

What an amazing testimony of God's redemptive love!

So today, let us meditate on the words of the prayer attributed to Saint Patrick.  May Christ be seen in all that we do and say.  May Christ be seen in how we treat others.  There is no testimony in treating kind people kindly in return.  The real power is in reaching out in love to those who we don't understand, don't agree with, and those who even hurt us. Let us remember to ACTIVELY love those who hate us, or stand in stark contrast with us.  

The Prayer of Saint Patrick / The Morning Prayer

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.

I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.