To the Manires

Not sure if they are frequent readers of my blog, but here is a letter to the Manires on their farewell from the Point:

Hi Kelly and Jeanne (plus Matthew and Melissa, of course),

Given my unfortunate inability to attend your farewell dinner, I figured I would convey sentiments likely equivalent to those of most people actually there. Two factors are likely to differ, though: a) a higher average on syllables per word, and b) this comes from the longest-attending congregation member, which I hope helps substantiate the statements made.

You have given much to help build the community at SFU; time, energy, and more coffee than I ever would fathom in the whole of my existence have been used to create what is evident every Sunday night, that there are those who care about SFU and placing a church on campus. What is needed all over the world is revival of the spirit. A daunting task from which I'm too often guilty of shrinking away, yet you run straight towards it and make whatever impact possible. A better example of living in faith I am troubled to find, planting three churches and giving them the resources to build on God's provision. Those who have met you must have some degree of favor in the eyes of God.

Most important to my life (though I'm sure I've said so on numerous occasions) is the fact you acted as God's workers during a time when I most needed a church in the area. In many naive spiritual endeavors I have been walking alone with God (a contradiction, to say the least) but over the years I became part of the Point family, most commendably through your graceful dealings and planning (even though Kelly's plans of matchmaking never seemed to pan out... how odd). I should say that the process of directing a church was not without its challenges; these merely added to the already educational and amazing experience of being involved with wonderful people.

Kelly, thanks for sharing your dreams with all of us. I only pray that the Lord would instill every church with visions such as you have seen. You have truly shown me that anything is possible with God... Which is why I firmly believe that you will have the D.Min (or Demon, as I think I heard someone call it...) very soon.

Jeanne, your appreciation of tea gives me hope. There are really too many things to list which you've done to make the Point what it is now; all I can do is look at what the church is and see where you worked behind the scenes for God's purpose. Do not let anyone or anything tell you that you don't deserve your retreats to Kitimat and Steveston.

Melissa, though I know it's particularly hard to do while in high school, be sure to listen to your parents and discern the wisdom they're imparting. Parents have a strange way of being wrong when you're 14 and completely right when you're 21, so you can save a load of trouble by assuming they're right now and changing your mind later.

Matthew, you have an amazing passion for whatever you're doing which is hard to find in a lot of people. Keep up the scouts; you're probably already better than me at most of the skills there, so when I need to get out of the wilderness or tie a rope, I'll hope to have you around to bail me out.

For you all I pray God's blessings upon your future travels and endeavors. May the Holy Spirit move you in wholy impossible ways so you can be ready to minister to all the other university students out there looking for God (but may not know it yet). Most of all, let the love of Jesus be your light when everything's dark, your marker when you lose the way, and your reminder of the connectedness you share with each other and all believers through God.

Love in Christ,
Unity in Spirit,
and Refuge in the Father.

Josh Ruberg