The Call

The Call, written by Regina Spektor for the movie Prince Caspian is a stirring anthem played at the end of the movie when the Pevensie children leave Narnia, some for the last time. Others though, leave knowing they shall return, eventually.

Interestingly, Spektor’s reference to battle and the war in her song is possibly a metaphor expressing the inner conflict between leaving a place of familiarity and entering a world you always longed for or desired. This desire, described in the opening verse begins as a feeling, grows into a hope, turns into thought, and then turns into a quiet word which ultimately grows louder and louder, ‘til it becomes a battle cry. In other words, the call to Narnia (and relationship with Aslan) becomes so strong it cannot be ignored only obeyed.

In our travels and speaking engagements, many have asked about our call to missions. Personally, I have never had a call to missions or to a particular country, per say. Rather, I describe my call as a call to obedience; Jesus said, “Come follow me,” and so I did, to the best of my ability. Hence, Stuart and I obeyed God’s call and four years ago, we followed Jesus to Jamaica.

Last year, when our family parted with our New Vision family we tried not to say “Goodbye,” but rather “We’ll be back as soon as we can.” However, Stuart and I have been in holding pattern, waiting for the call to return to Jamaica. Waiting is often not an easy discipline, but since it is our desire to complete what we began in Jamaica by serving the children and students of New Vision City of Refuge and the Assemblies of God Bible College we wait. We are confident that the Lord is the only one in control of our lives and the timing of our return.

In the meanwhile, we consider the words of Spektor’s song, especially the final verse.

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and no one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
'Til they're before your eyes
You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say goodbye

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say goodbye

Amazing Grace

In this scene from Amazing Grace, William Wilberforce exposes the ugly reality of the slave trade to the members of Parliment and their wives, and at the same time gives us a glimpse into Jamaican history.

Cooyah*

Jesus said to him, "Follow me!" Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "…what is that to you? You must follow me." John 21:19-22
When teaching children I’m constantly reminding them to focus on me so that they can follow my directions. Children are easily distracted. They are always concerned about what everybody else is doing and whether or not my instructions to them will be the same. “Focus,” I say, “and follow my instructions.”
Jesus tells Peter, “Follow me.” Distracted, Peter looks back and asks about John. Jesus’ answer is pointed, “What is that to you?” or as we might say, “Mind your own business.” John’s calling was not Peter’s concern; it was the Lord’s. In fact John was already doing what Jesus has now told Peter twice to do, “Follow me.” Peter needed to focus and follow.
Just like children and Peter, we are, at times, too easily distracted. Our attention must be on the Lord and the instructions he is giving us; not on what everybody else is doing. The next time we are tempted to question another’s calling, let’s remember what Jesus would say, “What is that to you?” Let’s just focus on Jesus and follow him.
*Cooyah is patois for "look here" or "pay attention."

The Perfect Cup of Tea

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enought to suit me." C.S. Lewis
Start with English Breakfast, Darjeeling, Earl Grey or Irish Breakfast. Steep 3-5 minutes. Serve with caffeine intact and with real milk and sugar.
Next sit down with a good book or a good friend. Enjoy your solitude or your conversation. Like a good cup of tea neither is rushed.
Jesus not only knew the importance of rest he modeled it. Although it is doubtful he sat down with his disciples over a steaming cup of tea the scriptures declare he sat around a fire eating fish with his friends. Personally I prefer tea. But it’s not the menu but the company that counts; it’s not the setting but who you’re sitting with.
It is easy to fill our days with the work and sometimes the worry that inevitably accompanies it. But if we don’t intentionally take a break or as Jesus says “take his yoke” then we will not find the rest that is required of us.
Rest is a command and a gift from the Lord. God rested on the seventh day after creation and commands his creation to do the same. Jesus says, “Come to me... and I will give you rest.” We honor the Lord with our work and with our rest.
At New Vision City of Refuge we are modeling for our kids the necessity of hard work but also the importance of rest. There is a time to do school work and chores and there is a time to relax and hang out.
Alas, the hour grows late, the kettle is whistling, and it’s time for me to take my own advice. So grab yourself a cup of tea, call a friend and do what Jesus did. Rest.