General Conference Day 6
April 28, 2008

I witnessed “A Future with Hope” today at General Conference!

We have made much out of the fact that our church is declining in all categories. Yet, in the midst of decline, there are signs of hope all around us if only we look up and take notice.

There have been serious attempts to emphasis & employ a “Holy Conferencing” model for our plenary sessions here. That plea for love and grace to drive our work seems to having a positive influence, even though the 12-plus hour plenary sessions each day are only beginning. We have witnessed a cooperative and congenial spirit among the delegates. Could it be a new day?

Today I saw “A Future with Hope” when the Africa Children’s Choir from Uganda sang. Their energy and joy was contagious! This choir of 23 “orphan and vulnerable” children was organized by the East Africa Annual Conference. Many of the children were orphaned during the more than 20 years of civil war that ravaged Uganda. Suffering in mud huts crammed tightly together, the children were taken in, loved, given life AND renewed hope. They represent the reason I work so hard to get mosquito nets to Africa. Their life blessed ours today. Yet, they could not have done that had they not been valued, loved, protected, and saved.

Today, as witnesses of the hope they have been given, these 7-to-12-year-old children are giving back to us what they have received. Their hope is evident in the smiles on their faces, the spring in their dances, and the joy in their songs. When I met them earlier in the week at a “Nothing but Nets” event, they swarmed me with a massive hug and constant “high fives.” They bear the hope we so desperately need.

Once again I found hope in the midst of people who live far less privileged lives than we do. Today I found it in a group of children whose favorite song is “I am a fan of God!” In the midst of our privilege and abundance we could use a good dose of spontaneous, spirit-led praise of God. In the midst of our decline and uncertainty, can we find renewed hope – a hope that can only come from the heart of God to the hearts of people like you and me?

Today I saw “A Future with Hope” at General Conference. I found it in the midst of a long day of petitions, motions, and amendments. I found it when our business was interrupted by the children. I found it when Jesus came into this arena and blessed our lives.

Today, there is “A Future with Hope” all around us. I pray that you can find that hope wherever you are today.

The Journey Continues, . . .