Dear Centenarians,
The strong winds that have blown forcefully across the southland in recent days bring to mind two passages I have come across in my recent readings:
“When the wind changes direction, there are those who build walls and those who build windmills.” Chinese proverb, taken from Hot, Flat and Crowded, by Thomas L. Friedman.
“The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
Throughout this year, we have felt powerful winds blowing throughout the congregation which continue to move us forward as we anticipate a new year: winds of change; winds of new and challenging ministry opportunities, winds of transformation and renewal.
I am thankful that you, the Centenary congregation, have chosen to be “windmills” that move with the winds, rather than “walls” that seek to block them. Your attitude reflects the biblical people who moved and followed God throughout the Bible, and God’s people today who are not afraid to move with the winds of the Holy Spirit that reveal new and (sometimes) risky opportunities for ministry.
As the winds of time move us out of this year and into a new one, I thank you for all that we have accomplished in the name and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Let us continue, with the confidence of God’s people, to be the “windmills” that take advantage of the changing winds, and use them in advancing the ministry of Jesus Christ in the many new and exciting challenges that await us!
Grace and Peace,
Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa
