This past weekend we were in Indianapolis for the board meeting of our sending agency, Christian Missionary Fellowship. While there we had a great time meeting other furloughing missionaries from all over the world, board members from all walks of life, and 18 other missionaries preparing to enter the field for the first time. There was worship and fellowship, experts speaking about Community Health Evangelism (CHE), and time to hear from other missionaries about their experiences. Ron and I also got to spend some team time with 4 other people that we will be working with when we get to Tanzania.
The best part of the 3 days, though, was Sunday evening when the Board had a commissioning ceremony for the 19 of us. It is sort of like a graduation, a time of encouraging us, sending us off with their blessing, and affirming our coming ministry.
During this time they also had a capping. I am a nurse and have been 'capped' once before, with a stiff white cap that was only worn by registered nurses. We each were called up front by name, kneeled down, and had the cap placed on our heads. My nurses cap, which I never wear, is very special to me. The fact that I have it means I AM A NURSE. It is a symbol of who I am.
Well, this time was not quite the same, but just as memorable. First they called us up front one at a time and gave us our cap (guys a ball cap and gals a visor). Each cap was embroidered with the letters IH. These letters actually stand for International Harvester, which is a farm equipment company. The charge to us was that we were going out to be international harvester's of souls. It was funny and cute and we wore the caps during the commissioning.
But for me it was more. You see, I grew up on a farm in the mid west and my dad drove the red International tractors, not as common as those green ones. My thoughts flooded to my father, who is home in heaven now. He and my mom were servants and harvesters of souls for many years working with Mobile Missionaries Assistance Program, traveling around the US helping others on building projects.
I teared and smiled with those thoughts. Again this cap which I will probably never wear is special to me. The fact that I have it means I AM A MISSIONARY, a harvester of international souls, and it is a symbol of who I now am.
The best part of the 3 days, though, was Sunday evening when the Board had a commissioning ceremony for the 19 of us. It is sort of like a graduation, a time of encouraging us, sending us off with their blessing, and affirming our coming ministry.
During this time they also had a capping. I am a nurse and have been 'capped' once before, with a stiff white cap that was only worn by registered nurses. We each were called up front by name, kneeled down, and had the cap placed on our heads. My nurses cap, which I never wear, is very special to me. The fact that I have it means I AM A NURSE. It is a symbol of who I am.
Well, this time was not quite the same, but just as memorable. First they called us up front one at a time and gave us our cap (guys a ball cap and gals a visor). Each cap was embroidered with the letters IH. These letters actually stand for International Harvester, which is a farm equipment company. The charge to us was that we were going out to be international harvester's of souls. It was funny and cute and we wore the caps during the commissioning.
But for me it was more. You see, I grew up on a farm in the mid west and my dad drove the red International tractors, not as common as those green ones. My thoughts flooded to my father, who is home in heaven now. He and my mom were servants and harvesters of souls for many years working with Mobile Missionaries Assistance Program, traveling around the US helping others on building projects.
I teared and smiled with those thoughts. Again this cap which I will probably never wear is special to me. The fact that I have it means I AM A MISSIONARY, a harvester of international souls, and it is a symbol of who I now am.
3 comments:
Jane Ann you have such a way with words, someday you should write a book about your adventures...harvesting souls for God! Pretty neat...
Sue
Jane reading your site has been so
inspiring. Enjoy learning more about you and the "days of your life". Agree with Sue that you should write a book about your adventures. You keep me glued to your site with your way with words.
Christine
Jane Ann,
I believe you received another confirmation from God through that "cap" that He has been preparing you and Ron all your lives for this mission!I rejoice with you!! Love, Nancy
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