September 9, 2007

Extraordinary Abundance

You may be interested to know that there are not many other careers that carry as much job security
as being an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. As long as a pastor doesn’t get caught
doing anything immoral, unethical, or illegal, he or she is guaranteed an appointment. That means
they have a place to work, a regular income (above a conference set minimum), health insurance, and
regular employer contributions toward a retirement account. You are not free to determine where you
live and work, but otherwise it’s a pretty sweet deal.

Now let’s consider the case of Ash and Audra McEuen. He is a graduate of Candler School of Theology
and an elder in the North Georgia Annual Conference. She is a graduate of Concordia College and a
public school educator. They have three children. They are happily serving God’s people in Georgia
when they feel God leading them to become missionaries to the people of Peru. They know that the
work will be hard. It will take time to build the kind of trusting relationships that will result in lasting
change.  It will also take the support of many others to underwrite their work. Still they asked Bishop
Lindsay Davis to appoint them to serve as missionaries through The Mission Society.

It seems that Ash and Audra understand better than most what Paul is talking about in his second
letter to the Corinthians. Paul encourages his readers to sow generously, assuring them that God will
not only supply the “needs of the saints,” but also overflow with many thanksgivings to God (9:12). You
will want to meet the McEuen’s as they come to share their story with us Sunday evening.

I am confident that the McEuen's will be blessed by meeting you for there are many among our congregation
who know firsthand about the “surpassing grace of God.” I pray that in the months and years to come
greater numbers of people will recognize the congregation of St. Mark as one filled with people of
extraordinary generosity.
 

Ashley