Marches and Magistrates and Money

All in a days work...

All in a days work…

On Friday, I began my day at 4am as I prepared to preach at the weekly ecumenical liturgy at the local military college. I arrived there shortly before 6am and was greeted by the military police and taken to the chapel. I could then hear the soldiers beginning their march from their barracks to worship. It was an impressive sight of approximately 200 young men marching and singing. They arrived at the chapel, and with the precision and focused care of high churchman, they removed their headdress, saluted their commanding officer, and proceeded to take their seats in the chapel. I was very kindly and warmly welcomed by the General and the Roman Catholic priest.

I had the privilege of speaking on the story of ‘doubting Thomas’ from John 20. I focused especially on the word “unless” -stressing that sometimes we think we can set the parameters of our relationship with God – but we must be reminded that He is the one who is the author, perfecter, and finisher of our faith. I hope and trust that the Lord spoke through me to encourage these young men who are giving themselves (like military personnel around the world) to serve their country. It was a wonderful way to begin the day.

From there I went to Holy Communion at the Cathedral, where I welcomed the treasurers from the parishes as they began a two-day workshop. After a light breakfast with them (bread and tea) I opened their meetings by speaking to them about a biblical perspective on money and explained (very simply) that everything we have is from the Lord. One of my challenges here in Madagascar is to help people see that they are not nearly as poor as they see themselves as being.

I am grateful to Father Helarcin and the Diocesan Treasurer for helping prepare the workshop in the hope that we will systematize our financial accounting practices and therefore have both accountability and transparency. This is somewhat of a challenge given that many of my small villages do not have access to a bank. We are working on ‘best practice’ policies even in these remote areas.

My official day ended by attending the seating of the new Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal. The Minister of Justice for the nation was present, as were several government officials, all the local judges, and a guest list of the ‘who’s who’ of Mahajanga. I was invited together with other church leaders, and we were seated in a place of prominence, which honestly was a little embarrassing given the people in the room. My embarrassment left me as I heard the opening speech (translated quietly in my ear). The Judge who welcomed us named each of the government officials, as one would expect at such an event, but what was most encouraging was his clear invocation of the Holy Spirit and his reference to the wisdom of God. He stated that the judges need the wisdom of God in order to judge fairly -with mercy and justice. He asked all those present for their prayers! I was gobsmacked. This sort of invocation may have happened a long time ago in Canada, but not in my time. The church leaders were seated prominently because we represent the ‘only wise God’!

All in all, a very productive and encouraging day….such is my life these days!