Muddy Xmas Gathering

Flash back a year ago, I felt quite lucky to find out there's Christian community in the company. There aren't many of us, only 40 pax (out of 600 employees) and from that number only less than 10 ppl are active in the weekly gathering.

This year we decided to hold the Christmas gathering early, to accommodate some expats who planned to have their year end holiday on tne second week. Last year we gathered together with orphans, this year with physically challenged kids, in their dorm in Jimbaran area. Only several of them were Christians, but all were invited.

Considering the limited space in their place, we decided to hold it in an open space next door and rented canopy. We depended so much on a nice sunny weather. So around noon with some friends I went there and prepare the place, set the decor. All were sweating, close to dehydrated. It was terribly hot it gave me a headache. Well, nobody should complain as we did prayed for bright sunny weather, yes?

15.20, just when we finished our 1st song it started to rain. Shower, then pouring hard. Everybody moved inside the canopy, some sat down on the plastic prepared for stage, the ones in wheelchair remained in the back. The rest of the committee stayed out and took out their umbrellas.

I won't deny it was somewhat disappointing, but can't deny either that it was a mixed blessing. It was a way to make everybody gather closer to one another and they were more focused on the service (though we kept it short). I can't (and we won't) be selfish and say that God didn't hear our plea. I believe God had a beigger plan and He let it pour for some reasons we don't know about.

Back to the gathering, it was a relief to see that everybody could accept the rain and the mud it created all over the place. It was what it was. Friends were pleased to be able to take part on it and to participate in such event, the children were glad to be able to play games and won prizes. Despite the weather, everybody was happy.

After the gathering small reception was held. Everybody moved around and talk, mingle and eat. It seemed the mud didn't matter at all. What mattered was the main purpose of this gathering, and it went well.