Egypt #7: Sometimes All You Need To Do Is Show Up
Sometimes all you need to do is show up
For the team, by Rev. Kimmy Briggs
First Presbyterian Church, Lewistown, MT
Our day began with a return trip to German Mission Hospital to join their staff for morning worship. Our own Rev. Jason Sentas brought a brief message reflecting on the nature of “work,” reminding us that not only does God call work good, but as those created in the image of God, we too are called to work. And our work becomes a reflection of God’s work in the world.
Then, we loaded the bus for another long bus drive, this time on the agricultural road through a seemingly endless string of small villages and speed bumps before arriving at the village of Edfu. We began with a visit to the Edfu Temple, enjoying its beautiful scenes and rich history.
We then made our way through town to the church at Edfu, where we were warmly welcomed by its members and quickly ushered around a table for a feast reminiscent of a family Thanksgiving dinner.
Following a delicious lunch, we gathered in the sanctuary to hear from Pastor Rami about the ministry of the church of Edfu. Pastor Rami reflected on the past and present ministry of the church, then concluded with a word of thanks for showing up to visit. Edfu is far from other churches, far from places that visitors often show up. And yet, we showed up.
We came and shared a meal together. We came and gathered for a brief moment of worship. We came and fellowshipped together.
We showed up.
And there is power in showing up.
We’ve spent much of our trip showing up to simply be with people. It often doesn’t seem like enough, perhaps like we should be here building a church or working at the mission hospital, but showing up, the ministry of presence, is enough. There is power in being with people.
After all, isn’t that what God did for us? When we could do nothing for ourselves, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us.
