Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Grand Rapids Area Emmaus Community is at a cross roads. On this journey God has lead us to a fork in the path. To the left is a path that leads to the rejuvenation of this community with a full board, and continued pilgrimages within the GRAEC. To the right is a path that leads to individual talents being used to benefit other communities, and toward continued walks within those communities. While each of us has personal feelings about which path we would like to journey down, none of us wants to take a single step without the leading of the Spirit. Psalm 127:1 states, "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builder labors in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." We do not want to journey in vain.
The journey has not been easy. Some want to blame the board for the community’s current location on the path. Some want to blame the community for not stepping up and fulfilling the needs at hand. But blaming each other is not the answer. The scriptures in Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." We must recognize this squabbling for what it is; sin that tears the community apart. Instead we must focus on the good in one another. We must recognize the talents, and strengths God has given each of us. We must place those gifts into His service. We need each other. The board cannot do Emmaus under its own power, and neither can the community. Not even Moses could go it alone. Exodus 18:18 states that, "You and these people who come to you will wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone."
Regardless of our personal feelings the truth is quite simple. This community, for a variety of reasons, has not had a walk in relatively long time. Attendance at the monthly gatherings has been extremely low. Participation in Reunion Groups has plummeted. The board has been trudging on, but working towards an unknown end. Criticism and frustration levels are high. It is as if the light that shines the way on the path has become dull. Psalms 119:105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." It is time we search His word, and ask for an indwelling of the one who provides that light.
The board has agonized over what path is the correct path to take. We have prayed for discernment. We have questioned every motive. We have wondered what the will of God might be. We have asked ourselves what we can learn from this rocky and difficult road. We know that both paths have their benefits, and both have emotional consequences. Yet, after all our discussion, and trepidation, we have come to but one conclusion: this is not our decision to make alone. No decision should be made without clear leading from our Savior.
Towards this ends, the next two board meetings will NOT be board meetings (June & July). Instead they will be prayer meetings; a time to search ourselves, and to search the will of God. It will be a time to ask the Lord for His hand in our circumstances, to ask Him to direct our path. We ask that anyone and everyone come to the next two meetings. Share your prayers, your thoughts, and your hearts. The Lord will not ignore the pleas of His people for 2 Samuel 22: 7 says, "In my distress I called to the Lord; I called out to my God in a loud voice. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears."
Please come to the prayer meetings on Tuesday, June 3rd and Tuesday, July 8th at 7:30pm at St. Paul’s UMC on 3334 Breton Rd., SE in Grand Rapids. We typically gather downstairs. If you are unable to attend these prayer meetings please, please send your prayers and comments to jaclyn.delaney@yahoo.com. Let the board know that we are not alone in this struggle. Let your concerns be heard. Let your prayers join with ours.
If you know of anyone who does not have access to the website, or who does not receive the prayer chain, please give them a copy of this letter. Sending out a paper copy of correspondence costs the community nearly $400. The cost of the last newsletter was born solely by one of the board members. She has not yet been paid back. The community coffers have less than $100 in them currently. We simply cannot afford another publication at this time. So please let your sponsor, your pilgrims, your reunion group members, and anyone else in the community you are acquainted with know about these special prayer meetings. Consider spreading the word through your church’s prayer chain, Sunday bulletin, or bulletin board. Ask them all to join with us in praying for God’s discernment, His leading, and His will.
A decision must be made soon as to the path to take, and a lack of email communication or presence from community members at the prayer meetings will be considered an indicator of that direction. No decision will be made lightly. But the time for a decision is at hand. We, the Board, are asking desperately for your input and prayers.
In God’s Great Blessing We Leave You in His Care,
Jaclyn DeLaney- Lay Director
Bill Dykstra- Agape Acts
Richard Wnuk- Candlelight & Entertainment
Kristy Somsel- Community Communications
Gail Holmes- Database
Rex & Karen Wambaugh- Facilities Management
Dave & Kathy Thwaites- Gatherings
Bill Kelly- Group Reunion
Barb Miller- Sponsorship
Joel Darling- Treasurer