New Moon

Anyone that has been involved in ministry, especially in a youth group type setting knows there are many ups and downs. Last year we went through a really long “funk” in our young adult ministry. Our group wasn’t really in to it, and it just felt dull, and like trying to pull teeth to have a conversation.

This year I have grown an interest in learning about Biblical traditions and celebrations. Alongside sabbath, passover and many other beautiful feasts, I began to learn about celebrating the new moon. Of course not to celebrate the moon itself, but it’s Creator, who set out the months and the days. To think that time was created not for God, but for humans, and that we some how need it, is beyond me.

“God made the two great lights—the greater light (the sun) to rule the day, and the lesser light (the moon) to rule the night; He made the [galaxies of] stars also [that is, all the amazing wonders in the heavens]. God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to provide light upon the earth, to rule over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good and He affirmed and sustained it. And there was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.

Genesis 1:16-19 (amplified)

As Kossi and I have talked about wanting to share our time between Blantyre & the village, we have talked about what that transition would mean for the ministry we are a part of in Blantyre. I have wanted to pour more intentionally in to a smaller group, but wasn’t quite sure how to create it. I had been asking the young adults to volunteer to be more involved, but wasn’t getting a lot of response. I finally just gathered the one who was interested, and 7 others who had shone dedication to spiritual growth and a hunger for God.

A new moon was coming up, and so we gathered under the moonless sky (because on the new moon, you actually can’t see the moon in the sky). I envisioned a beautiful evening worshipping, celebrating and setting intentions for the following month. I was terribly (1.5 hours to be exact) late serving the meal, and things got late. Kossi & I scrambled to share our hearts for them, but we did it.

To imagine that we are all created for the time that we are living in, and that for centuries God’s people have gathered under the dark sky to worship Him filled us with enthusiasm and vigor for what He has called us to in this season. Two years ago we had an unexpected guest visit the young adult group, and he prophesized this verse over the group, and it has resonated ever since.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

1 Peter 2:9

It feels as though we have moved through our funk, and enthusiasm has refilled our space. This past Thursday the group erupted in laughter as Kekeli took to the dance floor and busted some moves.