As General Assembly Convenes

Good morning from San Jose! I am glad that I arrived a day early to not only get used to the time change, but also prepare a bit before the pace picks up this morning. I feel like this part of my journey began way back in September when I filled out the application to return to Israel and the occupied territories. It said, " preference for applications will be given to those attending GA in June". Having had a desire to see our church as a denomination, the simultaneous application to be nominated as Elder Commissioner seemed "natural". Through the spiritual direction I receive from my church friends, my spiritual mates and my family, I've come to trust that these activities are not by coincidence. I continue to feel led by God in this extended journey to San Jose as the path here has seemed like a "greased trail" going down the mountain to the valley where the work is. I am humbled by this realization. Along the way, encounters feel close at hand and perhaps, destined. For example, I went to the Plenary session hall yesterday to get my bearings and to locate my seat. The place which will actually hold several thousand people today, saw just a trickle of technicians in its vastness. I found my seat through a "pedestrian" who was watching his wife rehearse a speech . My new friend offered to direct me to my seat, and as I learned, he was a veteran of 30 GA's and was a welcomed guest. My seat was located in the center of the hall, on the end of aisle of tables, near the microphone! Wow was that a message! He then suggested how I might use the location to speak from the heart about my encounters in the Middle East. Things seemed to be moving along "down the mountain to the Valley" out of my control, again. I continue to listen to the spirit that has carried me this far. Pray for courage and trust. Stay tuned! Bill