Pushed by the Holy Spirit
Monday Ministerial Musings
By Rev. Mark William Ennis
2024 Blog #16
April 15, 2024
Pushed by the Holy Spirit
I was pushed by the Holy Spirit last week, at least I think it was the Holy Spirit Perhaps I wasn’t, but I’m pretty sure that I was. Each Thursday I have a ritual of meeting with the church’s Hispanic Church Planter. It involves a bit of planning as well as a bit of mentoring. Although older than me, Ivan our planter, is still a seminary student and often seeks my advice on pastoral events in his life and ministry. We have a core of four places that we go for Empanadas each Thursday. This past Thursday, we were pushed to a new place.
It began with Ivan being what I perceived as annoying. “We have to drive by the new place around the corner from the church,” he told me, refering to a new breakfast place near the church.
“Why do we need to drive by it?”
“We need to go there today.”
“OK, we can go there today, but why do I have to drive by it now.”
“Just drive by it.”
“Why? I can go there later without driving by it now.”
“Just drive by it.”
I relented, wondering why driving by it was such an obsession for him. It made no sense to me.
We drove past this new place and gained no insight. I had seen the outside of this place the week before and didn’t know why he was so obsessed with this place. After distributing lunches, we circled back to the new place, “Bergenfield Café & Provisions” where we received a warm welcome. Soon we were introduced to the owner and the waiter. I can’t remember the last time I received such a warm welcome anywhere and we quickly gave the owner, Hamilton, our business cards.
Hamilton waited a while until Ivan and I were done our meeting, and then he joined us at the table. He shared some things with us that he felt the need to share. He had some hurts and difficulties that he felt the need to tell us, the disciples of Jesus who were in his café. I plan on stopping by the café frequently in the future and be whatever help I can be to his business or in his life. That is what we disciples of Jesus live for.
So, did the Holy Spirit put us together? Was the Holy Spirit speaking through Ivan in his obsession to stop by this new place? I have no doubt at all and I’m glad that we listened to the Holy Spirit.
How often do we fail to listen to the Holy Spirit prompting us and guiding us. How often do we loose opportunities to serve by not listening? I hope we all listen to the Holy Spirit just a little more.
If you are ever in Bergenfield, please stop by the Bergenfield Café & Provisions. Tell Hamilton that you are supporting him and praying for him. He is a man who needs the support of the people of God.