Parting is such sweet sorrow.
This last day on our mission revolved around Rhiwbina Baptist Church -- Henderson Hills'
new partner in ministry. Rhiwbina is what I call Henderson Hills Wales -- like us, they are an Elder led, Calvinistic, Non-Cessationist Baptist church located in the affluent northern suburb of the large capital city. We went to the church early so Dustin, Nikki, and Troy could rehearse before they led the worship service. Allen taught the fifth and last lesson of the "Seasons" series to our team, since Troy was busy leading the worship service.
The worship service was sweet. They sing the type of songs we sing. They exercise more charismatic gifts in their worship than we do (like speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues) but they are very doctrinally correct in everything they do. I admire the freedom they have to let anyone speak -- and yet those who wish to speak seem to tell it to an elder who decides if it is appropriate or not -- so there is order in the service as the Apostle Paul commands. Brilliant! Still, it might be harder for us to adopt that approach in a worship service attended by 1500 people or so. They all seem very comfortable with each other as if they have all been worshipping together for many years without a lot of turnover or a wild influx of growth. There is a sweet, family feel to the place. And they are much more informal than we are -- my friend Alan James preached in shorts! I admire that. The last time I wore shorts, Dennis announced through the microphone that I had forgotten my pants. I still think he was just jealous that my bare legs look better than his!
After worship, we all went to a church-wide barbecue and met many of the church members, including Derek's mum and dad. When the barbecue was over, we had four hours to do what we wanted, so we caught two taxis down to Cardiff bay, had some great hamburgers and fries, and some rich Northern Welsh ice cream. We took taxis back to the church. Allen prepared for the teaching session, enlisting Deah to do a little art project for him as an illustration of the lesson, and Troy and Dustin prepared to lead the worship before the teaching time.
Dustin and Troy led worship with their usual excellence, and Allen taught a two hour workshop on techniques of growing FLOCKs spiritually and as a result, numerically. The church was very gracious in their reception of Dustin's leading worship and in Allen's teaching.
After that, things went too fast. Allen, Deedee, and Deah said a goodbye that was too quick because their ride to the Etap (the gracious Elder Paul and his lovely wife Marla) were ready to go. There were quick hugs, whispered words of affection and encouragement, and then the team that had bonded so quickly and so deeply was sundered. For now.
Dustin's plan was to lead the remainder of the team to the Bristol Holiday Inn Airport to spend the night with a flight back to the U.S. in the morning. Gavin got an opportunity to remain with Troy to work with some of the other young missionaries. He had planned to leave tomorrow, but now he will stay in Wales another 20 days or so. He stopped by the Etap to hug Allen, Deedee, and Deah goodbye. As for the Rices, they will stay in Wales for one more week touring all the parts in Western Wales they haven't visited before. They plan to spend at least two days of their vacation with their new friends, Derek and Matthew.
Thus ends a great week. As momentous as every minute of every day was for the whole team, the mission deserved a climactic conclusion as great as its first four Shakespearean acts. But that would have resulted in even more tears and even more sorrow. Maybe it is better this way.
Adieu, adieu, dear friends, and forever more than friends. Parting is such sweet sorrow. But the sorrow is already passing away and we shall relive the sweetness with every chance encounter this side of Heaven.
Allen
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