RESOLVING THE CHORD

THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
Day 16 and Tim has left the Brothers’ House! How do I begin to reflect back on my 16 days? There is so much noise crowding into my mind that to hear all the different notes right now seems almost impossible.

I am off to Cheung Chau in a few hours, an island off the coast of Hong Kong, to a retreat centre run by Bethany Ministries. I am told that it is a beautiful place, quite isolated and I will have a room of my own. Hot water, coffee and food that may not contain rice! It is an hour on the ferry so I think it will feel a million miles away from House 4 and the close community and ‘monastic’ routines. I don’t think I have to be up by 7.30am or clean the windows!

As I think back to all I have experienced here in HK it has been quite a journey. I came with some fear, it got worse, then it got better and I feel that I have been able to give, receive, listen, learn and experience God’s presence and power through the Brothers’ and Helpers that I have shared a house with. I have already written about the worship and prayer, the ministry and deep community and it has all left me feeling closer to God and aware of His presence and power for my future. The stories I have heard have humbled me and excited me, challenged me and inspired me. I have seen and heard how God brings wholeness and hope.

As I return back home soon, my desire is that I will see it more and more in the people I meet, that it doesn’t just happen in HK, House 4, or through St. Stephen’s, it is possible everywhere and I have had my vision renewed of what God can do.

In trying to sum up my stay I have been reading Luke 7:36-50. Jesus is visiting the home of Simon the Pharisee when a woman comes in and anoints the feet of Jesus with perfume and her tears. Simon and his friends are shocked but Jesus responds by pointing out to them that they didn’t even offer him any water to wash with or oil to refresh himself with. As the conversation closes he says to them, ‘her many sins have been forgiven – for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.’ (Luke 7:47) This is an indictment on those of us who take Jesus, and what he has done for us, for granted. It’s too easy just to love a little when we should all love much.

I think that is what I have found here. The Brothers know that they need forgiveness every day, that they have been forgiven much and in response worship Jesus, kneeling at His feet. They love much. As I’ve stayed here I’ve realised more and more that I too have been forgiven much, that I too need to remember that every day and worship Jesus. I have learnt to love much. Jesus didn’t die a more painful death for those who are drug addicts, he suffered just as much for me as well. I stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone in the House. It was worth coming to HK to learn that again.

It isn’t ‘perfect’ here, whatever that looks like. Not every ‘New Boy’ stays, there is tension and challenge every day. I wrote yesterday that there were no fists raised, well after I wrote that there was! One Brother hit another in our House and in one of the other Houses a Brother broke the nose of one of the Helpers! You don’t get a lot of thanks here, you’re here to join in and serve, the pleasure of the Father is enough. No special favours and no special treatment (I only wanted a hug!) This is not the only way God uses to change lives but it is powerful and is being used by God to transform many futures.

Out of the discord of 16 days ago when I entered the House and many things clashed with my previous experiences and understanding, the different notes are beginning to resonate more clearly now. It’s not a fully resolved chord just yet but I can hear the harmony more clearly and will continue to listen to the song that God wants me to learn and sing as I seek to follow Him. I’m not sure what it will mean for me and my journey but I have seen God at work in power and have been reminded that He is the One who changes lives through the cross. This stay was such a privilege and I will be praying for the Brothers’ who it has been my joy to get to know. I have only had a glimpse of all God is doing here but it is inspiring and challenging.

I came here with the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 written on a clothes peg, I leave here with the challenge of Isaiah 54:2 written on my heart. Grace and Peace.