You know the song.  It’s a familiar one that we sing at St. Michaels at times when we are encouraging others to move onward for Christ.  You’ve heard it sung on Confirmation Sunday when others come to own their faith and walk with the Lord.  You heard it sung last week at St. Michaels with joyfulness as we celebrated the GIC.  We were encouraged by Freddy, Onesphore, Pastor Peter and Valentyna, Bishop Dutta, Dan and Michelle, the Dalenburgs, Nate, Claire, the Greenes, Jimmy Gallant, and others.  We, as a parish, had many opportunities to look into the heart of a missionary.  We received thanks, love, encouragement, counsel and countless stories of salvation, redemption and healing.   Our GIC visionary scripture of Acts 1:8 says, “But YOU will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on YOU” – not just Al or Hamilton or Alex or Peter or Ted or any of our beautiful witnesses we met this past week, but YOU.  As Isaiah did – pray, and when the Lord asks, “Whom shall I send?”  – may YOU answer, “Here am I. Send me.”

As a GIC co-chair, I saw a week of beautifully orchestrated sermons, events, meals, and gatherings planned by lay persons and staff, working in perfect harmony, with one end in mind – that Jesus Christ may be glorified.  It always feels good when we lift high the cross!
~ Nicole Nicholson