Pilgrims

“Good morning, Pilgrims.” The present missionary often greets us with this on Sunday morning. I like it.

“By faith Abraham, . . . obeyed; and he went out not knowing whether he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, . . . For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:8-10). I read and reread these verses during devotional time in the apartment in Woodside where we served as houseparents for young men. They anchored our conviction to rent in Elmhurst, Queens.

We’ve been sojourners in this place for 26 years. The strangeness has become ordinary. However, on a 9/11, seeing an ocean of smoke rolling and the Twin Towers gone, we were reminded that one day this awesome city skyline will be no more. During the Pandemic when Elmhurst became the Epicenter, we longed for another country. Often, while walking the streets of this city, I look up in silent beckoning for direction from the Heavenly.

In our daily work and walks, we mingle with the peoples of all nations and tongues. They too are only passing through. I write this post to remind myself that “here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come” (Hebrews 13:14). Berniece

P.s. Thank you for both the public and private comments about the supermoon. It was special to hear.