[:en]THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

As I write this, many of you are in the church, making final preparation for our brother and sister, Bram’s and Natalie’s wedding. It’s already late into the night but you are still here, fully energized. Some of you came from far away, some came straight from work; and some have been tirelessly working for many days. I cannot thank you enough but more than that, I cannot help but be touched by how much you care. You’ve taken care to a higher level.

As I write this, I cannot help but also remember that right about this time, our sister Heny—and all her siblings—are in the cemetery at the outskirt of Jakarta. They are laying the body of their father, our brother Bun Hua, next to their mother. Even though we are not there with them, we can certainly feel the grief they are feeling.

With Bram and Natalie, we share their joy; with Heny and all her siblings we share their grief. As Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 poignantly reminds us, “There is a time for everything . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance . . . .” God is with us in every season of life. He never backs away from us when we are in pain, and He doesn’t draw closer to us when we’re in joy.

This week is a rather sad week for Santy and me; a minister-friend of ours passed away a few days ago. We knew Linda from the day she entered seminary; we followed her and maintained contact with her years after she left school. We were always encouraged by her exuberance and zest for both life and ministry. Diabetes did not weaken her spirit and kidney failure could not stop her from laughing. She remained constant because of God’s promise, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He has a good plan.

Pastor Paul[:id]THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

As I write this, many of you are in the church, making final preparation for our brother and sister, Bram’s and Natalie’s wedding. It’s already late into the night but you are still here, fully energized. Some of you came from far away, some came straight from work; and some have been tirelessly working for many days. I cannot thank you enough but more than that, I cannot help but be touched by how much you care. You’ve taken care to a higher level.

As I write this, I cannot help but also remember that right about this time, our sister Heny—and all her siblings—are in the cemetery at the outskirt of Jakarta. They are laying the body of their father, our brother Bun Hua, next to their mother. Even though we are not there with them, we can certainly feel the grief they are feeling.

With Bram and Natalie, we share their joy; with Heny and all her siblings we share their grief. As Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 poignantly reminds us, “There is a time for everything . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance . . . .” God is with us in every season of life. He never backs away from us when we are in pain, and He doesn’t draw closer to us when we’re in joy.

This week is a rather sad week for Santy and me; a minister-friend of ours passed away a few days ago. We knew Linda from the day she entered seminary; we followed her and maintained contact with her years after she left school. We were always encouraged by her exuberance and zest for both life and ministry. Diabetes did not weaken her spirit and kidney failure could not stop her from laughing. She remained constant because of God’s promise, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He has a good plan.

Pastor Paul[:]