Standing on shoulders

I had the opportunity to serve with a former pastoral colleague yesterday.  It was a privilege to work together and to be reminded again of God's faithfulness throughout the years. 

Introducing me to his church family, Pastor Furuyama said that we served together 30 years ago in the San Gabriel Valley.  I was incredulous!  I had to mentally calculate the years to come to the realization that his math was correct and that thirty years had indeed passed!!  I would say that "time flies," but frankly, that's what older people say all the time. I'm trying to resist the temptation to include that phrase in my vocabulary.

What was perhaps even more of a confirmation was the reminder that God has been faithful throughout the years.  That he has blessed me with ministry partners, co-pastors, who have invested their time, experience and wisdom into me through their very association.  

I remember as a young seminary student, that my dad told me that I would be privileged to build on the foundation laid by others before me, to stand on their shoulders, as it were.  It was a strange expression to me at the time, but it turned out to be one that was based on some comment by Isaac Newton.  It is also the title of a recent book by Stephen Hawking.  They both reference "standing on the shoulders of giants." (Source) 

After many years of service, I can look back and see the privilege that has been mine to learn from those with whom I have served.  Whether in the US or in South America, any "success" that I might be able to claim is the direct result of those who have unselfishly and graciously shared their wisdom and their resources with me.  

Pr Yuasa, pictured behind PJ, was a key in opening doors for JEMS in Brazil

Pr Amakawa, who personally introduced me to ministry in 
Paraguay and Argentina. Before his death, he was a wonderful 
friend and co-laborer in Brazil.

Rev Sam, who served as a missions mentor and who 
expressed much grace in enabling me to be restored 
to ministry, both as a pastor in 2005 and in my return 
to JEMS in 2007.

My prayer going forward is that I, in turn, may be able to serve as a "shoulder" to others to catch the vision and continue the ministry to communities in South America.