A Delivery of Grace

Sometimes grace arrives when we are busy making room for something else.

Our library renovation is nearly complete. After a roof leak brought rain inside and damaged the room, we have replaced the ceiling, added new lighting, and installed new carpet. This week, two beautiful loveseats arrived to complete the space. The old couch has already found a new home in the apartment of one of our neighbors whom we have come to know through our bus ticket ministry. Even as we refresh a room here at Grace, something from that room is helping make a home elsewhere.

But the most memorable part of the afternoon happened before the new furniture was even in place. As the two store employees delivering the loveseats walked into the building, they noticed our bulletin board with the names and pictures of our siblings in the congregation in Placetas, Cuba. Both had moved from Cuba to Wichita four years ago. One was from Havana, and the other was from a small town near Placetas. They stopped, overcome with emotion. One said he recognized a woman in the photographs. They wanted to know about the pictures and why we had them displayed in our church.

Tricia explained that people from Grace have been visiting the congregation in Placetas for several years, bringing money, medicine, and supplies for the congregation to share with the surrounding community. Both were astounded by the connection. Again and again, they thanked us for this ministry and for the compassion that has brought our congregations together. In the middle of an ordinary delivery on a busy afternoon, we found ourselves sharing something holy.

It was truly a God moment. Those photographs are familiar to many of us. We pass them on our way to worship, a meeting, or another task. Yet through the eyes of these visitors, we were reminded that every picture represents a person, a relationship, and a story. For these two men, the pictures offered an unexpected connection to their homeland. The love shared between Grace and Placetas reaches farther than we can see. This week, it reached right back into our hallway and touched the hearts of two people we had just met.

When we look at the needs of the world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. The problems can seem so large, and what we have to offer can seem so small. But together, with God’s help, we can make a difference. We can share medicine, offer support, build friendships, and keep showing up for one another. We may never know all the ways those acts of care matter. Then, sometimes, God gives us a glimpse. Love and grace break through where we least expect them, reminding us that the work is bearing fruit.

I am grateful for everyone who has supported our ministry with Placetas through donations, time, travel, and prayer. You are helping nurture a connection that touches hearts in Cuba and here in Wichita. As we continue growing in gratitude, I give thanks for these relationships and for the unexpected moments that help us see what God is growing among us.

I’ll see you in church!

Peace, Grace, and Love,

Pastor Kevin