03/25/2023
I repent.
This Lent God has been deeply calling to me to reach out to any I have offended or hurt.
To all our former MC students, interns, host, home, families, and churches, I am sorry. I ask forgiveness for the ways that my own lack of Christ’s love and ability to lead and manage may have hurt, or hindered anyone’s emotional or spiritual health.
I read Jesus‘s words in Mark 9:41 and realize how many times in my life others have given me a cup of cold water, and I pray that they will not lose their reward. But then I read in Matthew 10:42, and realize how I failed to give a cup of cold water to those younger or who were looking for the true love of Jesus and life on the kingdom of God.
MC’s came to learn and grow and serve and be trained and formed in Christ. Host families opened their hearts and homes. Churches participated. And so many excellent people and wonderful things happened. I give thanks for you all and cherish what God was able to do by His grace.
At the same time, I know that too often, I made it more about doing than being. I was too much and too often controlled by my own soul: my need to be in charge or make the program or the meeting or myself appear successful. I realize that many left the program still thirsty for grace and love and healing. Some left hurt, or possibly even hindered in their relationship to God and passion to serve him with their whole life instead of just nine months in a program.
All of that is my own responsibility and I ask your forgiveness. I repent.
I pray God‘s love and healing for you wherever and whenever you need to encounter his love and truth. I thank God for the privilege and joy of having those years with you all, and the wonderful ways you each added value to my life. Thank you.
Grace and peace to you all in the love of Christ,
Pastor Dwight