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For months now, every time I run into our graduates of the Training Center they ask me, “When are we going to have a reunion?” The two years of intense training, accomplishes much growth, sometimes most significantly through (as the songs says), binding them together! Such a mutual love of fellowship yearns for reconnection and reunion.
So, after talking with some of the graduates, they decided the best date to get together would be right after the beginning of school, when everyone was back on the island from summer vacations and holidays. However, then the hurricane hit. I checked with everyone and seems unanimously the damage was not severe enough to warrant giving up on our meeting together, so it was a potluck party planned at the school.
Of all my favorite moments in class, one of my most treasured is that moment when everyone comes back together from their summer breaks. Even since my grade school days, there is just a thrill and excitement that overcomes you to see familiar faces and friends again. As the graduates arrived the room was filled with constant hugs and laughter.
After reacquainting ourselves with everyone and enjoying some good ol’ Bahamian cooking, we placed our chairs in a circle and went around sharing our favorite memories from class, what we learned most, and how God was using us presently. It was very encouraging to listen to the stories for how God has been growing and shaping these church leaders towards following Him, and reminding attuned to His leading and His Word.
The church is, above all, the fellowship of God’s children onto our conforming to the image of Christ and His mission. This fellowship is the true family, where we are true brothers and sisters. I listened to their thanks to God for blessings in their lives, to plans to reach into the Haitian community, and to their resolute desire to continue in the path of discipleship.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:23-25