Dear Family of St John’s
I had a life changing experience when I was in Grade 9 (Std 7 back in the day). I had just turned 15 and was part of the St Hugh’s Youth Group, Connection. Members of the youth group, along with the youth leader and Rector, Revd. Brian Jackson, went on a Mission Trip. We all piled into a Kombi (it was called a Kombi back then) and headed north.
I don’t remember all our stops along the way, but we went to a little town called Jane Furse, in Limpopo Province, and up to Pietersberg, in Polokwane. We spent time at a school, we visited with people in their homes. We played with the children, and took part in church services.
We chatted, cooked together, ate together, and even slept in the homes of those whom we visited with. This was pre-1994 and I didn’t appreciate at the time how significant it was to spend the night in a family’s home in the township. But I will never forget how graciously I was welcomed by that family; I can still picture their faces.
Our goal wasn’t to tell them about Jesus, it was to share in the love of Jesus with them – just by sharing life, for that brief period of time. Our goal was to be an encouragement.
That trip had a profound impact on me, and my view of the world. It opened my eyes to the love of God beyond the church experience I’d had, beyond my sheltered world. I wish everyone could experience something like that.
If I had to sum up what that mission trip was about, I would say it was about bringing Christ’s love to others through the ministry of presence, just by being there.
We are all able to do that, within our community and family life.
Life is so busy, it’s easy to feel disconnected or overwhelmed by the sheer pace of our daily routines. Amidst these challenges, the concept of the “ministry of presence” is a reminder of the power of simply being there for others in Christ’s love.
It’s not merely about physical proximity; it’s about offering a compassionate and attentive heart to those in need. In essence, it mirrors Christ’s own ministry on earth, where He not only taught and healed but also sat with, listened to, and empathized deeply with people from all walks of life.
In our daily lives, this ministry takes on many forms. It can mean offering a listening ear to a friend in distress, spending time with a neighbour who may feel lonely, or simply being fully present with our families amidst the distractions of technology and busy schedules. It could be taking a friend to the doctor and just sitting with them while they receive a diagnosis. Or, sitting with someone who is ill – not even chatting – just being there is often enough.
Each act, no matter how small, becomes a conduit for God’s love and grace to flow into the lives of others.
As I write this, I have two people who are very dear to me who are very ill, in places too far for me to travel to. Neither will recover, I just don’t know the timelines. I know that sitting at their respective bedsides would make no change to the prognosis, but my heart breaks that I can’t be there. I know how meaningful that act of ‘sitting’ is, and I’ve experienced God’s presence in those spaces.
We don’t always need to be doing, to be a witness for God. Often, it’s enough to just be present and offer encouragement. Often, this is preferable. Through our presence, we offer comfort, hope, and the assurance that no one is alone in their struggles.
And, as we practice this ministry, we ourselves are transformed. Our hearts become more attuned to the needs of others, our faith deepens, and we experience the joy of witnessing God’s work through our simple acts of presence.
I encourage each of you to find ways in which you can bring Christ’s love to others, just by being there, through the ministry of your presence. As you do so, may you experience the Lord’s right there with you.
With love
Your friend and rector,
Claire