Suppressing the Spirit
Eleven years ago I was asked to lead a workshop at the 20th year celebration of Walk To Emmaus held in Peoria, Illinois. When I left my home in North Carolina driving I had no idea what a treat I was in for; because at this meeting I was privileged to sit with a small group in the presence of Edwardo Bounin, the originator of the Catholic Cursillo. Some of you have heard this story before, but it is worth repeating due to quite a bit of turmoil and consternation within several communities over the insistence of following the Upper Room model rather than allowing communities to put on events as they wish.
Mr. Bounin told of his early vision and how he spent many hours penning the forerunner of what we now call Walk To Emmaus. He would write what he perceived as correct, sleep on it for a while but got no peace about what he had done. He would then re-write and wait again; still no peace. This process went on for over six years! Finally after all these years and many trials, peace came and he knew he had what God had intended when He gave him the vision originally.
He went on to advise us sitting before him that if we ever felt the strong need to change or add to the developed model, we should enter into a very long and intensive period of prayer. Then he said if we still felt the model needed changes or additions, we simply didn’t pray long enough.
I tell you this to emphasize a couple of things for the long-term health of your community. First, we cannot allow the program to go with the whims of gifted leaders who may take office with personal agendas but without the training and commitment of previous leaders. I refer you to Hebrews 13:8 which paraphrased says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So it is with Walk To Emmaus!
Second, the structure and theology of the 72 hours builds itself into one concise but specific message—God’s unconditional love and how we are to return to our churches and appropriate that love to others.
Those of you who know me know that I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I am old and wise enough to be obedient to this Holy Spirit inspired movement without feeling compelled to “do it my way”. There will always be “my way” with something else, but for Walk To Emmaus, there is THE WAY! Read the resources available to you; ask a Board member what the Handbook says about Candlelight or Dying Moments; and study your Bible as to what It has to say about Anonymous Servanthood. To God be the Glory!
Scoofer Jordan
S/E Regional Rep.