An old Latin saying that is known among physicians is medicus curat, deus sanat, expressing the thought that the physician provides the treatment, but it is God who heals. This is a beautiful expression of the cooperation between God and man. I once heard a speech given by a heart surgeon who was a Christian. He described the process of a heart transplant from the death of the donor, and all the steps that follow, how the donated heart is cooled down and put in a special container, how it in some cases is flown across the country to the receiver who desperately needs it in order to live. The surgeon then said, he understood how the human heart functions, he knew how to perform a transplant, how to connect it to a new body, and all that there is to know. But he did not know why it started beating, once it was in the new body. He said, at some point during the transplant all is done, and all you can do is wait. And then, he said, a miracle happens. The heart that has not been beating for hours suddenly starts beating again. It is as if God touches it and says: “Now!” Medius curat, deus sanat.

Christ says in John 15:5: “…apart from me you can do nothing.” Isn’t that true in all aspects of life? It most certainly is true for the life of God’s church. Our parish is truly and visibly blessed with tremendous growth. One is reminded of the quote above from the book of Acts. Why do we experience this growth? Obviously, we could come up with a variety of reasons to explain it, but to me it all comes down to just one: We try not to stand in the way of the work of the Holy Spirit. The petition “Your will be done” must be imperative in all that we do, inside the church and outside. We have to do our best, and trust that God will do the rest.

The growth of a flock of believers is a blessing from God. From the perspective of the (under-) shepherd, the pastor, new members lead to thanksgiving to God, and also to a growing responsibility. One area of responsibility, among many others, is the appropriate accommodation of the growing flock. This is a challenge that we face at present. Also as the Vicar, I have experienced that our current building is too small. Therefore, the new wing that will be added to our building is urgently needed, and will be put to good use. To build a new wing is the logical consequence of the growth that God has blessed us with, and that He continues to bless us with. And since God continuously adds to our flock, it is also safe to assume that He will provide what is needed, be it motivated people, be it plans and concepts that will work out, or be it financial resources.

In all that is to come during the next months, we are never to lose sight that we do the building program not for ourselves, but for God. It is His church, not ours.

God provides the heartbeat in the organism of the church. Can we feel Him, touching us and saying to us: “Now!”?

In His service,
Vicar Jens