Meanderings/Thoughts on General Assembly 2009 – Orlando
It would be an understatement to say that the NYI Convention was an exciting place to be. Watching the other sites around the world pop up on the screen for the first time was a testament to the ‘global' commitment! Wow! Yes, I can be emotional at times. However, there were other older, wiser men and women who were dabbing at a tear or two as we watched delegates from around the world sing, pray, vote, and rejoice together as a unified church! In my many years of NYI involvement I have never seen the COTN work in this manner. What a cool convention!
As the other sites shared their hearts with us - I had to come to grips with my biases and prejudice. I had come to this convention with underlying, hidden thoughts of arrogance and pride that rose to the surface as a result of being reprimanded by the prayer lives, faith, dedication, and work ethic of those who were of a different color and tongue than me. Why had I thought that I had so much more to bring to the table? The conversation that I joined was full of spirit, unity, love, joy, commitment, and lack of judgment. How blessed I felt as I participated in the global dialogue of bringing Christ to the nations. Knowing that we are all called and we are all answering that call ‘together' but in unique ways was a beautiful confirmation of the Body of Christ at work in harmony.