Clay in the Hands

Last Friday and Saturday I had the opportunity to be blessed beyond measure.  On Friday morning, 25 pastors from Juarez, Mexico and the surrounding colonias made their way with their spouses to a hotel in Juarez for a two day retreat.  As the couples came through the door into the meeting room, I recognized some of their faces from last year’s event.  There were some new faces as well.  But they all had at least one thing in common – they were all happy to be there.  It was a reunion of sorts.

The focus of this year’s retreat was centered around spiritual formation.  We hosted sessions on prayer and spiritual practices.  We also had sessions on the things we carry as pastors and the fact that we have to find ways to lighten our load from time to time.  All of the sessions were done well and the pastors and their spouses benefited greatly.

But this year, the aspect of the retreat that seemed to grab my attention most was the benefit of having time to leave the worries of the ministry at home and just be around other couples who are experiencing the same struggles.  The fellowship was amazing.  The laughter and tears around the tables at the meals captured my attention.  And on Friday night, after our big banquet, the couples gathered to play games.  What was fun to watch (because I did not understand much of what was happening) was the fact that nearly all the couples participated in games they had played as children.  In the same room we had pastors who have been serving churches for 45 plus years and pastors who are just getting started.  But all were laughing and having fun together.

It hit me that given the stress these families are under on a day to day basis, they do not have the opportunity to simply enjoy life and enjoy fellowship.  I will share later this week, some of the stories of these couples and the stress they are under.  It should be a matter of prayer for all of us.

I was reminded of how important this retreat is in the lives of these ministers.  God is at work in Juarez – even in the midst of the violence.  And these couples have chosen to stay and minister – even when it is not easy – or even safe.

Remember to pray for Mexico.

Have a very blessed today!