There is a distinct difference between being the kind of person who never says “no” and being the kind of person who is always looking for opportunities to say “yes.” All Saints Church can offer a good example of both sides of this coin. We used to have a pastor who never said “no.” Then, about four or five years ago, his head exploded. Now we have a pastor who is always looking for opportunities to say “yes.” If it falls within the confines of the All Saint’s Mission Statement, and you are willing to see it through, then the answer is “yes.”
When Pastor Alban asked again this week if I would like to preach, I said “yes.” I am the greenest of novice preachers. I have no wisdom to impart when it comes to the craft that is the empowerment of others through God’s word. If I could offer an encouragement around preaching, however, I would say that I have never perceived the rich nature of scripture through this lens before. As an exercise, go to your favorite passage sometime, and prepare twenty minutes of lecture about it. Be specific about who your audience is. You will see things you’ve never seen before, even if you know the passage by wrote.
My sermon was on Romans 1:8-15. I had tried to get through 10 verses last week and it was too much. If you would be good enough to go to that passage and read it from my audiences perspective. I could see the understanding and the light in people’s eyes as I read their lives into the story of Paul. The Bible still speaks to all who would listen to the voice and the message of God. My hope is that the people of this church will fall in love with scripture, study it, and grow in their understanding of it. I remember when I couldn’t understand a Christian’s encouragement for me to read the letters of one dead man to a church of people who were entombed with their ancestors nearly 2000 years ago. I hope to aid God in breaking through that barrier of thought in others.
Over the course of the sermon Alban became my mirror. He would raise his voice to translate what I had said emphatically. He would hasten his speech to match the pattern of my own. As I wandered around the room to touch each person with close, attentive eye contact and smiles, he had the good sense to hold the front of the room for me. He also gave the closing prayer and emphasized with encouragement the message I had prepared. It was a proud moment for me.
Afterward, six of us reconvened at a coffee shop on the second floor of a building which is near George W. Bush Square. About a dozen businesses in Fushekruje bear his name. We sat and discussed the service, and caught up on some current events. I haven’t seen a television news broadcast since the beginning of April. I was also taught how to say some basic colors in Albania. Every time I open my mouth to ask a question, I am astonished at how much I still have to learn after being here for three months.
Thankfully I am in the heartland of hospitality.
albaniacalling 