“I could never do what you do”, the preacher said.  He was referring to life on the road and living out of a suitcase.  Arriving home one evening, immediately going through the bookkeeping and processing any love offerings given that past road trip, making sure bills are taken care of and household/lawn stuff the next day or two before loading up the same suitcases with freshly washed clothes, reloading the truck and walking out, once again, for a week or 2 or 3.

I respond the same way just about every time.  “I couldn’t do what you do either, pastor.  It’s a matter of the calling.”  The call of the road ministry is no more special than any other calling.  Whether you are in full time, bi-vocational  ministry or a lay ministry.  Except for today.

It’s days like this where I struggle. Yesterday I got word that a good friend, a member of our Life Group (small group that meets on Sunday nights), an active member of  Hillcrest, and most importantly one of the strongest walks of faith I’ve ever seen, went home to be with the Lord.  Lynn White has been battling a rare cancer who’s name is longer than the 2 previous paragraphs and has been on this experimental treatment, flying to Boston as often as once a month.  It has been experimental because of the lack of test group, this cancer is so rare.

For almost 3 years, I suppose, he’s fought this nasty infliction, all the while teaching youth Sunday School lessons but lessons that went considerably deeper.  I imagine the list of those he HASN’T made an impact on during this journey is shorter than one might think.

Now for my struggle.  I received a call that his dear wife, June, had ask if I would play TAPS at the memorial service for Lynn on Monday.  The calling has me on the road at a Kid’s Camp in TN.  Would Lynn want me to change my plans?  Not a chance!  Would June?  No way.  That doesn’t change the heartfelt sorrow though.  The feeling of not being a part of a great church and church family happens at times.  It’s just the nature of being gone all the time.  Hillcrest does what they can as often as they can to remind and encourage us but this is one of those times where there are no words.

Hey, don’t get me wrong…it’s the calling.  I’m ok with that…just venting a bit.  Please be in prayer for the Lynn White family.  June, his wife, and two sons David and Adam.

We will pull out for Dyersburg, TN, early Sunday morning.  We love and appreciate you and ask that you pray for this upcoming camp season.  This is, many times, the most fruitful time of ministry we will have all year so pray for open hearts!  On a side bar, I’ve been told that this upcoming camp will not have any internet access and little cell service but I will do my best to keep you informed!

Blessings,
John