You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive'”
(Acts 20:35)
“What can I do for you as you prepare to leave?”. Saying goodbye is so overwhelming I had no idea how to answer[1]. The first response that came to me is one that lies deep within my soul “Please receive my gratitude, for who you are and all you have done”. So, friends, my last “Minister’s Note” is a “Thank you note”.
You have graciously permitted me to be God’s servant in this place. You generously shared with me your joys; children born and b
aptised, prayers answered, goals achieved, and best of all the joy of Christ received. You allowed me to tread gently alongside you through the hallowed ground of loss and grief. You inspired me with your willingness to serve Christ in creative and sacrificial ways.
What can you do for me? Please, receive my gratitude. Thank you.
I was chatting to Phakamisa during the week. He summarized the goal of all my sermons in one short phrase. Phakamisa is an award-winning journalist so he has that gift. But I’m a preacher, I remember his one phrase as many sentences!
So, friends, if I may be so bold, I do have one final request; the crux of every message: Friends, give your life, all of it, to Jesus. For he promises “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it” (Mk 8:35).
When I arrived in Durbanville a good friend called me to offer this Irish blessing. As I leave, I pray it for you:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Sean
[1] This “farewell” has come upon us quicker than we could have imagined. It is my tenth year of ministry at DMC and also my last. Usually, ministers leave in November. However, God has made possible a long-held dream of mine – to serve as a School Chaplain. I’ve been appointed to serve as Chaplain at Hilton College. I received the news last Thursday that the Presiding Bishop has approved my application to be Seconded to this ministry effective 01 April 2021.