An ocean bridged

Greetings from Mozambique! I have been outside of the United States this summer longer than I have been in the US. From May 25 to June 16, I was abroad studying the European Union in Central Europe, and from June 25 to now I have been in southern Africa.

Throughout this summer, I have definitely felt the absence of a weekly church attendance and the community functions that accompany my Disciples of Christ upbringing. I have grown to understand and overcome the difficulties of long-distance relationships as I strive to remain abreast of news from the States. This process is not easy, and is certainly not helped by the time difference. Life moves forward, and the world does not wait for Henry Brewer-Calvert to hear the Call to Worship.

This long-distance relationship with my churches is not one of despair or futility, but a sense of longing for the community I've missed. At the same time, I have discovered that the church is everywhere that I go, in me and in others that I encounter.

I've found kindness in others, celebrated with complete strangers at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, and broken bread in foreign lands. I write this from a position of relative humility. I have a place to stay because of others. I have food to eat because of others. I have a niche in this world because of others. I have a view of the stormy Indian Ocean, but this ocean touches other beaches than Mozambique's. I have a church, and it is right with me.

God is wonderful, and I am more aware of this every day. I write this from a position of strength; my God is always with me and his love crosses boundaries. I know that Pastor Cobb at First Lynchburg can't hold his call to worship for me. I must bring church with me. You see, church has a way of accompanying you that no ocean can separate. May you feel the love of God in your time zone.

Peace be with you,
Henry