Roles…

I have found myself in many roles already during the past six months. In seminary we are taught about being in the role of preacher, pastor, pastoral councilor, teacher and us as individual and how many will see us as the role we are in their lives. Here I represent the ELCA, Luther Seminary and the United States as a sister in Christ. I do not have the official title of missionary but at times that is who I am to the people I meet both in the communities and from the States. At times I am a ligament, connecting two cultures who are members of the body of Christ helping each one see the other by interpreting culture in both directions or simply listening or knowing which questions to ask and when to ask them. The ELCA is using a model of Mission based on accompaniment. In the story of the Emmaus Road Jesus walked beside the two men as they headed away from Jerusalem and was revealed in the breaking of the bread. Through this Graduate Preaching Fellowship, I have been able to walk beside the ILAG and her members but also alongside those who come to see and know from the States. Right now this is my vocation. It becomes ministry when we share the word with one another.