On February 25th, 2001
Our life of turmoil had just begun
As the Search Committee met without their chair;
She was in Palm Spring getting sun-bleached hair.
Donna, Carl, Bob, John, Jean, and I
Seemed to lose our mates without knowing why;
From time to time, from this point on
Our spouses disappeared, to come back anon.
An advertisement was needed for Christian Week
For which my help they did quickly seek;
An email went out; the ad was run.
Replies came in and started the fun.
Over the weeks and months that followed
Elspeth, the secretary, began to compile
A stack of paper that grew and compounded
’Til it made at last 1 four and ¼ inch pile.
Word went out to our friend, Paul Pierce
Of the need we faced as a congregation;
While all of us met, with determination fierce
To put many ideas into an aggregation
Of what we’d require in calling a new pastor
Who will lead us to grow, should God be willing,
Into a church stepping forward, further and faster,
As our mission in Victoria we move toward fulfilling.
On March 13th, or so I’ve been told,
They met round the table, each choosing a chair
As they complained of the drizzle, the wind and the cold,
That would determine their order for aye and for e’er
Each meeting then, would begin with devotions,
Calling for those around the table to share in leading
As, following their order around the table,
They led in prayer and scripture reading.
The whole congregation were called on to meet
To give our input on what we would be needing
Of a pastor who would be the best, the elite,
When it came to supporting, teaching and feeding.
From time to time, as things proceeded,
Naomi spoke from the pulpit to let us all know
Why the search advanced and then receded.
Through it all her faith seemed aglow.
A first concern was the matter of who
Would fill our pulpit from Sunday to Sunday-
Those who would fill the gap and carry us through
Preparing the way for our decision one day.
First came Roy Bell, a scent of the green,
With his blend of scholarship, mettle and mirth -
Of wit, wisdom, and love much was seen;
Of learning and growth there was no dearth.
From chilly Prince George came our little Lance,
But off of his box he was likely to fall,
As his humour caused many in the pews to dance
So the little old pulpit was brought from the hall.
Peter then came, a counselor and friend,
Quite willing to listen, to learn and to grow,
He brought us around to a more liturgical bend.
God bless him and keep him. God will use him we know.
The search went on, - it seemed without end,
Emails, and letters, meetings, MIP’s and calls,
While those at home mourned wife, husband, or friend.
“Why is it”, we wondered, “this experience palls?”
Now we’ve been told from the beginning
That the Committee’s one unrelenting goal
Was that, in spite of the fact some hair was thinning,
They must all agree on a single person who would fill the role.
Eight stubborn Baptists who have to agree!
O what a hope – a miracle is what they ask!
But surely we know, in problems of any degree.
Our Lord and our God fully equals the task
Many applied, and many were considered.
Some were quickly rejected by common consent;
Others set aside to be reconsidered
To see if God’s choice they might represent.
Phone calls and interviews then were arranged
As the weeks went by and plans were made.
As spouses came home their concerns unassuaged
We knew that with frustration their hearts were weighed.
We saw their excitement, as things seemed to go right;
We saw disappointment when things went awry.
Through all their endeavours they sought for the light
Of God leading them onward our need to supply.
At last came a time when all seemed together;
A man had been found who wanted to come
To meet with the people and find out whether
People and pastor we would become.
A date was set and we all got ready
But had our hopes dashed at the very last moment
But God had a plan, His hand was steady
As He opened a way that we thought cemented.
Axel re-emerged, his interest renewed
By reminders from God that He was not through.
His plans for the future could not be misconstrued.
God said, “Axel, it’s Victoria for you!”
The story goes on, but for now we will end
With thanks to the Committee for all they’ve been t through.
We’re glad that at last, our spouses and friends,
Are back with us now with time for us to review
Our love and our respect for a job well done.