Today, Jake and I had the opportunity to worship with brothers and sisters at the Mondscheingasse congregation here in Vienna.  While the gathering was small, about 16, the meeting reminded me a little of a family reunion.  You know the kind, where you don’t really know anyone, yet somehow feel connected to everyone.  You all stand around greeting each other, trying to connect the dots, “I knew your mother when she was a little girl,” or “I remember when your dad and I played cowboys and Indians in Granny’s back yard.” 

Today, the conversations before and after the service similarly attempted to form the picture you get when all the lines are connected.  “Originally, I came from Romania…”  followed by “Oh, we have friends who were missionaries in Romania…” and the like.  So I started thinking about the connections we have now with our family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ.  I wonder how these connections will change.  Invariably, they will.  Some of the friendships that have been such an integral part of our daily life will fade, while others will span the ocean and back again.  Parents and siblings may not be as close physically, but the connections we have been building our entire lives will mean more than ever.   Prayers offered by them will have an even sweeter aroma to the Lord, who will grant us ALL a peace that only he can provide.  Finally, those of our church family, we have all been molded by those who have taught us in Bible class, preached sermons, hauled us around to youth rallies, counseled and mentored us.  We will no longer fellowship with them at dinners and Halloween parties or baby showers, yet we will hold a piece of that connection with us. 

I have to admit that one of the most difficult parts of answering this call to the Lord’s army in Vienna has been my own fear of losing the connections to those mentioned above.  I have spent many days and nights anguishing over how sad it will be to be so far away from family and friends.  However, I have been comforted by one thing over and over again.  The Lord is with me all the time.  He never leaves.  This connection will never fade.  Not only do I know he is always there, but I take comfort in knowing he will always do the best for me, according to His glorious plan.