The joy of being a presbyterian

The Elders run the Church in our Presbyterian Church heritage. Thank God they do! I have always been very proud of being a third-generation Presbyterian. My parents were a part of the small group that started the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar congregation in Yangon city. I am proud of that and am even more proud to be a Presbyterian now than ever. Last Saturday morning my mother died in Yangon. I had many things to do over the weekend. I even had to work on that very day as the deacons' training was the next day and I was not ready. Even Will had to help me. There was worship and a dinner Saturday evening and then two more services on Sunday, with Sunday school, a congregational meeting I moderated, and then the deacons' training. Just before the end of the congregational meeting, the Clerk of Session, Mike Kincaid, put his arm on my shoulder and, on behalf of the church, prayed for me and my family because my mother had died. I have never felt more comforted and reassured of God's presence. My heart was warmed up over and I honestly felt the comfort of God. There is no word even in my own language to describe the experience - an elder praying for me before the whole congregation on behalf of the congregation. It was an overwhelming experience of grace. I am deeply grateful to be a Presbyterian.