It’s part of ministry. It’s the reality of life. People come. People go. Serving in a city church is especially prone to a regular turnover. Our world is increasingly transient and mobile.

Living by this reality means that we see the opportunities to touch and encourage lives for as long as we have them. I see God’s hand in the ballet of life. He brings us people to dance with for a while. Sometimes it is to show us a greater grace; at other times it is to extend a greater grace. More often than not it is a bit of both.

Last week we bid an “official” farewell to Peter, Rachel, Sam and Jake. This family has been part of Keele for almost 4 years now. Peter started to come out to Bible Study and prayer on his way back to God after some wilderness wanderings. I had the privilege of baptizing them, as well as, uniting them in the bonds of holy matrimony. More than that I had the pleasure of seeing their faith and their family grow as they served and shared life with us.

Peter has been a good friend. I looked forward to the times we would get together for an early breakfast and I have always appreciated how he has lived his faith on his sleeve. I know how Peter is feeling. I see his passion for Christ and his honesty in sharing his frustrations and disappointments. I see a man who will never forget that he has received a second chance in life.

As Peter and Rachel move to Peterborough, I am sure they will think that they could have done more. I am sure that they have no idea of the impact they have had on our lives and I know they have no idea how much they will be missed. That is just the kind of people they are.

What have I given Peter? Only Peter can say, but what he has given me is the glimpse of someone who is a sojourner. He is a fellow traveler through this world; but not of it. He has a hunger and a longing for something more, something better, and something more valuable and ultimately more worthy of his desires and efforts. I see someone uncomfortable in this world. Trust me, I don’t see that enough! When I do see it, I treasure it!