Unexpected ..People, Places

The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, Philippians 1:16-18

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. Philippians 1:11

"Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? Job 11:7

New Orleans is famous for celebrating Mardi Gras (French for fat Tuesday) and all the celebration ends on the day before lent starts. Mardi Gras has been celebrated for nearly 2 centuries in New Orleans. The natives love to party and watch the floats, costumes, beads, throw cups, doubloons and parades. Many particularly the tourists flock to the French quarter for some adult revelry and celebration.

When we went to New Orleans over the summer of 2012 it was great to see this beautiful city after nearly 8 years. Not much had changed in the French Quarter. One of the favorite places we loved to go to was Cafe du Mond. So our breakfast were beignet (a square piece of dough, fried and covered with powdered sugar) and Cafe Au Lait (coffee). 

But the high light for us was not the just the beignets but the opportunity to eat them with Pastor Hack Barthlomew playing Amazing Grace on his trumpet and closer walk with thee out on the street. It was so uplifting for the rest of day. It was his ministry to sing, play his trumpet and preach to anyone the love of Christ. In this same french quarter that is also the place to be for midnight revelers, gamblers, prostitutes, liars and cheats. 

Do we live in a world that is perfect? Rev Peter Gomes the chaplain at Harvard defined good news as, “The good news is that things do not always have to be as they appear to be.” There is always hope and possibility for transformation. There are always Gods people in the market place lifting up Jesus Christ even down in New Orleans.

Philip Yancy in his book "finding God in unexpected places", describes how in his own career as he struggled with writing, God was working through him. Its is very revealing for a man who has inspired many by his books and life. Philip Yancey found the presence of God in the grime and cruelty of Chilean prisons and even in Kolli hills where the Brands are still revered for their missionary service.

 We all may be different in so many different ways, but if we love Christ we can still be one. The hymn I am the church, you are the church, the lyrics so beautifully say, "all who follow Jesus all around the world, yes we are the church together." It was particularly inspiring  to watch and listen to it sung by these young kids one of them who was adopted and has the downs syndrome. 

by Rembrandt

Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

As Christians we should not be looking for ways that divide us but find ways through which we can all be one. Paul in his letter to the Philippians says the most important thing is that the Gospel message of Christ should be preached.