Canon Andrew White, the special guest speaker at the Triennial gathering reminded all of us, that when it looks the bleakest, remember that you always have Jesus – he’s everything.

Canon White spoke twice on Saturday and delivered the sermon during the Sunday Eucharist.  He was called by God to be peace-maker in the Middle East and was appointed by the Anglican church to be the Vicar of St. George's Parish in Baghdad, Iraq.

A charming man, with an engaging spirit, Canon White kept us all spellbound recounting the lives of his parishioners in Iraq, and the terrible violence they have had to endure.

He kept us in stitches with the sweet story of his youngest son’s unexpected friendship with the late Yassir Arafat, the leader of Palestine.   He shared his deep love for the children of Iraq having adopted 6 Iraqi orphans whose parents had been killed in the war and subsequent uprising.

What touched my heart deeply was his undeniable happiness and joy.  Here is a man who has lived among his enemies, and yet, he shouts that we MUST love our enemies. We MUST show them our love of Jesus.  We must be reconcilers where  ever we are.  We MUST take risks for Jesus.

The 2^nd lesson for today includes this verse: “We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return – I speak as to children – open wide your hearts also. (2 Corinthians 6:13)

I hear the Lord saying to me again and again, Open your arms, Open your heart to what I have for you.  Open your arms and hearts to all people, to friends and enemies alike. 

The greatest commandment is to Love our neighbor as our selves.  Love them no matter the circumstances.  Extend love before judgment.

Canon Andrew talked of inviting leaders of Hamas to have dinner in his home. And after that, slowly, their hearts were changed.  Ruefully he told us that he had also invited ISIS leaders to dinner, but they said they might lop off his head.  He has thought better of offering another invitation to this group.

Being with Canon Andrew and listening to his words of peace, reconciliation and love has moved me deeply.  God is moving me into a different level of service For His Sake. He is moving me into a different relationship with him.  

Never more have the words of the DOK motto rung more truly than now .. “I am one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something.”

The one something is to open our arms, open wide our hearts and

 love For His Sake.