A reflection on the journey to 2010

by Bernard Thorogood

 

I was sent to this foreign church in a cold land

to bring the warmth of Christian hope.

I met the stallholders in the market

to share my wonder at creation's gifts.

We came as teachers and quickly learnt

that local culture is a rich treasure.

I'm with the UN observers, seeking to hold

the truce and build the peace.

My gift was caring for children;

I found my place in the AIDS orphanage.

Art is my field and it was my joy

to paint the gospel's cry on church walls.

From my youth, called to be a pastor,

I have tried to preach, pray, study and care.

We are minority people, keeping faith

under a corrupt, dangerous regime.

 

So many gifts, so many callings,

so many hungers of the heart;

release all your people, risen Christ,

from such inward confusion

and such outward shyness

that witness is stopped before it is begun.

Show us all our place, our time

and the offering you desire.