Conference Minister Corner 5/20/2025

Friends,

It has been such a privilege to share little thoughts, ideas, ponderings in this intro to our newsletter and receive in return your wonderings, affirmations and prayers!

So, along with my work with the Shalem Institute which I mentioned a couple weeks ago, in 2023 I was pleased to be asked to serve on the Common Global Ministries Board. One of the best parts of this service has been meeting other board members from around the world. And one of those is Dr. Darshan Ambalavanar, a citizen of Sri Lanka.

At our meeting in April, Darshan shared a reflection, which then became a Commencement Address to Eden Seminary. He talked about how as we advance our education or accomplishments in our fields, rather than expanding our options, we find ourselves limiting them, to certain spaces and places of prestige. In fact, he reported that 80% of Harvard’s undergraduates end up living in three cities – Boston, New York or San Francisco.

And he quoted Cliff Richards as saying, “The truth of the gospel… lies in its ability to move people from the well trodden path of personal development and advancement to the places where it hurts, and where people are hurt.”

It made me think of our churches and pastors here in NH, the ways each of you reach out to the places of need, places of pain, the places that often go unnoticed and unrecognized in the eyes of the world. And, I wanted to thank you for doing the hard work of ministry in all its beautiful and various forms here in this land of mountains and lakes and fields. Your ministry matters and is forging new paths towards healing and wholeness.

With you on the journey,

Sara