The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - Matthew 10:24-39 - The Rev. Colette Hammesfahr
In 1735, John Wesley boarded a ship set for the colony of Georgia. He was thirty-two years old, educated at Oxford, ordained as a priest, and setting out as a missionary. By every outward measure, he was doing exactly what God had called him to do. He was headed across the ocean to preach the Gospel and help build the Church. During the voyage, the ship hit a terrible storm. In his journal, Wesley described how the waves came over the deck. Water poured into the ship. The sails were torn. The vessel creaked and cracked under the force of the wind and waves. Many passengers thought the ship would not survive the storm. Wesley was terrified. Also on board was a group of German Christians known as Moravians. As the storm raged, Wesley noticed something remarkable. While many passengers panicked, the Moravians gathered together and sang hymns. Not after the storm had passed. Not when they knew they were safe. During the storm. The waves were just as high for them. The danger was ...