Jonah 4:6
6 And the LORD God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant.
Its our last day here with Natalie, Hayden, and this crew from Crossroads Church. I was trying to convey how I felt and this passage came up, not because of the experience Jonah was going through (although I can certainly identify), but because of his understanding and gratitude. Jonah experienced what was before him came from the hand of God. In his case it was a plant that came to cover him and bring shade and deliverance from his misery. I can say the same. These last 10 days in another country with people you love and respect surely have come to me in this moment in life to bring shade and a sense of peace from the day to day grind in ministry. Even though I am hanging out with “parishioners” and have a sense of obligation to pastor, protect, and point them to the One who brings security to them. They are definitely friends in the faith who are refreshing to my soul. That have never once made any pastoral demands but just became a part of our experience with Natalie and Hayden. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
On a personal note, I am proud of this young man you see above on that hand 17 thousand ft on Rainbow mountain. My grandson, Hayden Allen Oliver. A few years ago when he became a teenager, we went on a hiking trip in texas and drew up a covenant to sign. A rite of passage so to speak to read some books, scripture, and just create a bond with one another. The rite of passage would end on Pikes Peak and ultimately I had promised him that upon graduation, I would come back to Peru and have him experience Machu Picchu. One of the seven wonders i of the world. This is the primary reason I came as well as wanting Natalie to see what I saw here 13 years ago. So grateful to God for this moment. God has given me more than I deserve and has shown Himself faithful throughout my short life.
It is at this time that I release Hayden to manhood and to experience the journey I have been on with my Master. I was 19 when He called me to follow Him and life has been nothing but an amazing internship and adventure. I can identify with David when he wrote, “I have been young and now I am old and I have NEVER seen the righteous forsaken or His seed begging for bread.” – Psalms 37:25.
Hayden, I love you and when you read this I want you to understand that you are loved by Popo but much more by God Himself. He is your power. He is you adventure. He is all you really need. When you stay connected with Him, you will experience this life in a PERFECT way….I promise. I Love you and am insanely proud of you! Your journey begins.
Pope.
