Church of Another Kind — Worship from Afar Yet Close
I walk by the plaque, which I carved over 40 years ago, nearly everyday. It reminds me of the cry to worship that comes from a believer’s heart that has been touched by God. It has expanded meaning in the infectious pandemic environment we are in, where many believers are separated from group worship or are only offered a non-interactive alternative.
Today my wife and I joined our loved ones in the Philippines for their day of prayer for the Philippines. It was live but we joined a couple hours later. We worshipped non-stop for over 50 minutes before prayer even started. The video camera occasionally panned over the staff, the many orphan children we love, and the families we are close to. The sun was setting in Laguna, PI but ours was rising in the WV mountains since we are on opposite sides of the globe.
When they prayed, many wept, some were on their faces, and others lifted hands. We recognized the faces, the voices, the Spirit Who was present. It moved us. We put in some comments about the sessions and joined them in spirit. We were home in WV, USA at the time, while they were all meters apart (safe distancing in an infectious environment) from each other at the outdoor basketball court — the same one just outside our Philippine quarters when we are with them.
Today my wife and I will sing together in our little cabin as we usually do. We’ve already been in the precious Word, whose Author has given us peace. We’ve already been a part of the US and the West Virginia days of prayer for our nation and state. It is an exceptional time in a church of another kind.
It is a good day to give thanks.
… in every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
