… in Christ’s work all around us. Here in Amsterdam at this time of year beautiful lights are on display all over the city reflected in the many canals and creatively adorning the historic buildings. But we live in a tumultuous time and sometimes the lights might give the impression that all is well, but darkness is all around.
Ukrainian refugees continue their sojourn here and war is near. No Amsterdammer can forget that thousands of Jewish residents were sent away to perish in the Holocaust. The streets glittering with Christmas lights also display small brass commemorative plates on the pavement in front of homes where Jewish families once lived. Hatred of Jewish people cropped up recently. Rioting hooligans after a football (soccer) match remind us that human sinfulness remains. One of the leading Rabbis in Amsterdam recently stated that both Jewish and Muslim communities presently feel themselves scorned and unwanted, for it is all too easy to blame the nearest immigrant or person who is “not like us.” The darkness lingers.
As a church in the heart of the city we continue to meet curious neighbors and visitors who are interested in things spiritual or something they just cannot quantify. Is it the light of Christ they see? Often they are surprised by our diversity with so many nationalities, ages, economic backgrounds and professions. We trust that it has to do with the music of Messiah reverberating from the lives of our people and the warm hospitality driven by love, leaving an unforgettable impact as the light of Christ shines through. Here are a few recent examples.
“Ned,” a 74 year-old, got the difficult news of terminal lung cancer. Though he lived only 3 more weeks, he was amazed and comforted as God’s people rallied around. He said, “I’ve never had so many people around me in all my life!”
Life-long church member, “Phylis,” is 95 and lives alone in an assisted living home. She looks forward to singing Christmas carols and offering hospitality to our pastoral team when they visit. Her trust in the Lord in old age is such an encouragement to many.
“Alice” is a 16 year-old who recently began attending youth group with a friend. She eagerly participated in our recent carol service as a reader.
Jono, another teen, saw the light of Christ in the lives of both of his grandmothers. Through their prayers and encouragement, he began faithfully attending our services.
“R” has experienced life on the street for the past two decades due to issues of mental illness. It is gratifying that our people welcome him to our services. Just this week he attended a midweek communion service on a blustery day. He was in tears as we took bread and cup together in anticipation of that day when we will reside in that city “where the Lamb is the light.”
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1.5
… when women and children gather at the Word Made Flesh ministry center in Kigali. where Chelsea serves. The prophet Isaiah wrote that “The people walking in darkness” would see a great light, and that the Lord would increase their joy. While 21st-century at-risk populations were not necessarily on Isaiah’s radar, we continue to see this prophecy fulfilled in our midst as God shares his grace with the world. The women and children in Kigali’s slums face the darkness of poverty: loneliness and depression; financial insecurity; abuse and neglect; hopelessness; and shame, to name a few.
But when they gather together as a Christ-seeking community with care for both body and soul, they are reminded that the Light of Life renders the darkness powerless in the grand scheme of things. The challenges of poverty continue to exist, but do not have the final word. The Great Light, Jesus, increases their joy even in the midst of hardship.
I see this Light of Life in the peace of the women’s smiles, and their sense of ease and refuge being in each other’s presence. I see this Light of Life in children who dance and play because their fears lessen when they are assured that the Lord loves them and wants abundant life for them. Praise be to God that the Great Light himself, Jesus, continues to enlarge his people and to bring joy — and that we as missionaries are witnesses to tell of it!
The Anglican Church is rapidly expanding, especially in the Global South, and SAMS is meeting this demand head-on with a range of opportunities for cross-cultural service in the many countries where the church is present. We partner with dioceses and parishes who know the cultural context and we work to walk alongside those who are discerning a call to help clarify and guide.
You’ll hear from SAMS Mission Directors and five different SAMS Missionaries about the present landscape internationally and domestically for long-term and short-term service opportunities. Learn how you might serve the global church in theological education, teaching, outreach to refugees and more, and why cross-cultural service is so exciting and fulfilling.
TO ATTEND: Contact Nita via email at info@sams-usa.org and request the Zoom link
You will have the opportunity to hear from SAMS missionaries about their experiences serving both in the U.S. and globally. They will be available to answer your questions.
Hosted by:
Stewart Wicker – SAMS President and Mission Director
Denise Cox – Associate Mission Director
SAMS Missionaries
Bishop Todd and Patsy McGregor – Todd is a SAMS Missionary Coach and spent years serving as a missionary throughout Africa.
Rev. Jessica Hughes – Jessica has experience serving in theological education in Uganda.
Rev. Daniel and Rebecca Behrens – Daniel and Rebecca minister among refugees and recent immigrants in Pittsburgh.
Lucy Chaves – Lucy overseas the SAMS Bridger Program, a short-term intern service program. She mentors youth in Kenya through her ministry, Kenya Connection, encouraging them to be Godly leaders.
Anthony and Anna Pelloni – The Pellonis serve in Cambodia helping to disciple young Cambodians are helping to plant a new Cambodian church.
TO ATTEND: Contact Nita via email at info@sams-usa.org and request the Zoom link
