Decisions for Unity

Pastor Gary gets everyone's attention
to begin the discussion.

P1060374
Originally uploaded by oamcsinger

Decisions for Unity


As we’ve traveled here in South Africa, we’ve faced many challenges – losing power in Grahamstown and singing in the dark, no and little water at our lodging in Port Elizabeth, a bus breaking down and turning a 17-hour trip into 28 hours, and many have been challenged by sickness, along with long hours traveling South African expanses on the buses.

At the beginning of our tour, we were told we’d need to be flexible. And our flexibility certainly has been tested. It’s not been an easy trip, to say the least. 

One of the themes of our tour is unity among African, American and Romanian brothers. We’ve had great fellowship as we’ve prepared for concerts, traveled in the buses, prayed and ate together, and shared lodging these last several days. We’ve done everything together. No “them” and “us.” Only “us” – all of us.

That flexibility and especially unity was challenged yesterday (Thursday, Aug. 9) when there arose some dissatisfaction among the ranks over when we’d be returning to Joburg - whether to return via an overnight bus trip and arrive in the early morning hours, or to leave early Friday morning and risk an extended trip because of inclement weather and icy roads, since it had snowed on the mountain passes we’d be traveling. 

Many South Africans were looking forward to the prospect of seeing their families and sleeping in their own beds and taking some time to recover before our Friday evening activities.

In addition, some work still needed to be done to prepare for our Friday evening and Sabbath services, to conclude the special time we have all shared together. So the prospect of arriving earlier than 4 p.m. was also inviting.

Before we headed out Thursday morning to the Durban beachfront for our last shopping and recreation, we all gathered for a discussion of what the group desired. It was clear that our South African brothers preferred to leave immediately after the concert, while others preferred getting much needed sleep Thursday night, preferring Friday travel, and yet others had no preference. 

At the beginning of our discussion, Pastor Gary Parks and others reiterated our choice for unity among brothers, one of our highest purposes for this mission. After prayer together and much discussion, ably led by Pastor Gary, allowing all voices and opinions to be heard, the consensus was that we would defer to our leadership, who have been leading us well during the tour. 

As decided by our leadership, the plan was chosen to travel through the night. However, after the concert and as we were having dinner and loading up the buses, we learned that the hotel would not be prepared for us, as they were not expecting us until Friday afternoon. We’d have no place to “land” if we arrived in the early morning hours.

In another group meeting, when the South Africans were asked whether they wanted to take a bus and go on ahead so that they might have the opportunity to spend time with their families and even their own beds, or stay with their American brothers, without hesitation and as if with one voice they all agreed to stay so that we all could travel together. 

So we stayed one more night in Durban, departing at about 6 a.m., all three buses traveling together. 

God truly blessed this leg of our trip. Pulled in to Joburg, at about 2 p.m., well ahead of the expected 10-plus hour trip. We made great time. We had no major delays. And we had more opportunities to fellowship together as we traveled on the buses. 

We can count these blessings with those we’ve already received.