During my time here in Africa, I have been repeatedly reminded of the nearness, the realness and of the gift of the Body of Christ.
I have been reminded through many different people and many different events of how we are all of one Body.
 
Having grown up in a different culture, a different climate, and amidst a different language, it could easily, and possibly rightly, be assumed that I might find no place among the peoples here. Yet for all the challenges that are present, there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:39). No height, nor depth, nor time, nor Atlantic Ocean, nor culture can separate us from the love of God. Along with crossing these borders and going beyond these obstacles, Gods love binds us together in the Body. Therefore I am no longer a stranger, nor a foreigner. I am a family member to all of my brothers and sisters here.
 
Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, “Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize, rather it is a reality created by God in which we may participate.”
 
That is definitely evident in the everyday workings of the Lutheran Church of Togo. Awesome things are happening in the development of ecumenical relationship amongst the youth of Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. Currently the youth of all those churches are pursuing numerous programs in worshipping together and in outreach to villages, which we have been blessed to be a part of.
 
In these things, for me, the Body of Christ becomes visible. The Holy Spirit living in each of us parts and members has bound us in the Body. We are Christ in the world. The Lutheran Church in Togo is a member of that body, just as Cross Fire is a member of the Body working to strengthen the Church here in West Africa and around the world.
 
Yet just as vital and valid as these organizations being visible parts of the body working together, is me looking to my Brother and Sister. Whoever they may be, and Wherever I may find them, they are, just as I am, a part of the Body.
 
The Peace of God and the Love of our God and of the Body go with you all.
 
Dan
 
 
For more information on Cross Fire and our other International Teams, log on to www.youthencounter.org/teams/. And keep an eye out for greetings and stories from EACH MEMBER of CROSS FIRE, coming soon to the Youth Encounter website!