Devotion: Partners in Grace
“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3
Bishop Frederick Shoo, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, preached at Sheridan last weekend and uplifted these words from the Apostle Paul. Bishop Shoo is thankful each time he thinks of us. Why? After all, we are half a world away.
Bishop explained that he is thankful because of all the ministry we support in Tanzania. We have two partnership congregations, Mudio and Karansi Lutheran Churches. We support 145 high school students with most of their school fees to attend one of five Lutheran secondary schools across the Northern Diocese. While he is thankful for our support, if you hear the sincerity of his voice as he describes the changed lives he sees, you realize he is thankful for our faith… our faith in the people of Tanzania… our faith in God’s work through our collective ministry.
The concrete example he used is that of a young woman named, Annette. Annette attended Nuru School at Karansi Parish – a school we helped to establish. She was a top student and invited to attend high school. From a family that lives on only about a few dollars a day, school would have not been possible for Annette, but because of Sheridan she attends. Ultimately, Annette has overcome many struggles to have just tested in the top one-percent of all students in Tanzania. He attests that her score would be the equivalent of attaining a perfect 36 on our ACT.
In the children’s message, I shared of my connection to a young boy named, Junior. He was only six years old when I first met him. Having gone to Tanzania ten times, I was able to take our photo together each year. I marveled at our connection. Two very different people, with no common language, and in very different situations in life and in our future, but I dare say that we felt a loving connection between us. Junior grew up attending the Mudio Kindergarten and playing in the yard. This is how he bonded with me. I am convinced the love of Christ dwelled in our midst.
“I thank my God every time I think of you.” This phrase is less about gratitude for giving and sharing, but more a recognition of changed lives. When we allow the love of God to be near in ministry and in relationships, both lives are changed. And for this, we thank God.
Loving Lord Jesus,
Change us by the power of your love. Allow us to reside in the midst of our relationships, and form us in your image. In your holy name we pray.
Written by Pastor Greg Bouvier
Pastor Greg heard God’s call to Sheridan in 1999 and that began a journey which has become his life’s work. Having played a variety of roles as pastor of Sheridan, Pastor Greg was called as the Senior Pastor in 2011. He leads the staff and his primary focus is on the creation of culture, the overall direction of worship and partnering with our amazing team. Pastor Greg has been married to Rose for more than 30 years and together they have two servant-hearted grown children.