Dear Members and Friends of the Desert Southwest Conference,
In the weeks since General Conference one thing has become abundantly clear to me. And that is despite the differences that separate us, our churches in the Desert Southwest Conference have continued to be in ministry in Jesus’ name. We are reminded that we are God’s people and that we together are on a journey of caring compassion.
To be God’s people is to be reminded that God is the Creator of each of us. We are all part of the human family. And in our human relationships we come face-to-face with a wide and wonderfully diverse family of individuals each unique but each beloved by God. Although we do not always agree, I believe it is important for us to know that we hold more in common with one another than any differences that keep us from caring for one another. That is a good thing because we are also on a journey together.
Our journey in life takes us to very diverse places. Building houses in Mexico so families can live in permanent homes, replacing cardboard hovels. Digging a well in Africa so women and children no longer have to cart water from miles away. Assisting teachers in urban schools to bring joy and learning. Marching at a state capital to end senseless gun violence. The journey together to bring about God’s reign offers deep meaning in a person’s life and enriches both receiver and giver.
We may have differing opinions about many things, but let’s be certain about our commonality in Christ: We are God’s people, all of us. And we are on a journey together to offer the love of Jesus abundantly to everyone.
In Christ’s love,
Bishop Bob
