Church, it matters by Francisco Estevao

I have just entered my 65th year of life. Just under half of of my life was spent in Durban, South Africa, with my parents, (my mother Vera Wesley was my role model), my siblings Gabriel and Maria, then with my wife Jacquelene and last but DEFINITELY not least, my daughters Kelly and Natalie.  

This milestone has caused me to reflect on a few things marriage and Christianity. Forgive me if I appear too self-indulgent.   I believe we were born to achieve and to serve, … serve right until we cannot get out of bed. 

Thank you to Jacqui for letting me “try a few things,” even if it meant me inviting stress into our lives. Thank you daughters for your love and encouragement and clothing advice.  

Thank you, Mark, Kerry, Sam, Andrew and Jason for becoming such good “church buddies” to me. 

Thank you Vicars Perry and Burnett for being my church leaders over these last 24 years.  

Isn’t church an interesting concept. Did you know that the African-American dialect even employs the word “church” to describe something joyous and invaluable, … not just a building?  

I’ll continue to try to serve and enable. 

Thank you Jacqui for choosing me and for your love and concern these last 37 years. I’m not sure whether we actually choose our spouses, though?  

Sometimes I doubt whether we even choose our church. My strong belief is that the church we attend is where we get the chance to worship as well as serve (as Jesus my teacher and guide demonstrated). I believe our church is probably the centre most part of the village that raised my children. Which is why I believe it is your temporary home where instead of church-hopping, we are required to contribute to its continuous improvement.  

Thank you for reading this. Say “Hi” to a new friend on the other side of the aisle next Sunday. Sing and clap like nobody is listening.  May God the almighty bless you and yours…. And perhaps this might help you reflect on your journey and what your church means to you and that the people in your life really do matter.  With love,

Francisco (Frank) Estevao  Synod Rep for Robina/Mermaid Beach Parish