I wouldn’t wish my experience between the hours of 10 p.m. Saturday evening to 4 a.m. Sunday morning last week on anyone.  But without the events that transpired between 10 p.m. and 4am I wouldn’t have had the privilege of seeing what happened between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday.

I was so incredibly sick.  To put this in perspective, I have been the primary preacher at ReCAST Church for 17 years, and prior to this past Sunday, I had never missed a Sunday preaching due to illness.  I get seasonal allergies and get respiratory stuff from time to time, but I rarely suffer from any stomach issues.  Linda and I were counting, and we think I have maybe thrown up 6-7 (I know) times since we got married 30 years ago.

So I sent a text to the two associate pastors and the chairman of our elders around 1 a.m. saying, “I’m not going to be able to be there . . . Help!”  To watch a process unfold was so very encouraging.  One of the elders preached a sermon he had prepared for my preacher training class and was planning on delivering later in the summer.  Our executive pastor (who happened to be in drill for the National Guard that weekend) was willing to call and ask for his drill day to be waived so he could fill in.  The office responded by changing the slides and reprinting worship folders.  The praise team added a song . . . And everything just clicked.

Far from feeling sad that I wasn’t that missed, I am encouraged when I catch glimpses of this church going on without me.  I love ReCAST Church.  I don’t love them in theory; I love them in specific.  They have names and stories, and I am grateful.  But they also have a corporate identity as a gathering for the worship of Jesus Christ in Mattawan, Michigan.  Before there were any names, there was a vision in my head of a gathering of people growing in faith, community, and service in Mattawan.

And none of that vision swirled around me.  It wasn’t for my ego.  It wasn’t for my voice to be heard.  It wasn’t a platform for my branding.  It has always been about Jesus.  And it took a nasty stomach bug to remind me that this church would do just fine without me.  I’m also not writing this to be a martyr.  I know and feel the love of my church, and I am not pretending like my absence would have zero impact.  But I also know that Jesus is the center.  And His name will be lifted up high when I am gone!

I didn’t like the process of illness.  But I am grateful for a glimpse into the skillful way that so many pitched in and immediately jumped into action, and the Word was taught, Jesus was praised, and the people were gathered and built up.

Thanks to everyone who jumped into action.  My stomach is better, and my heart is glad.