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Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11 

The best friends I’ve had were made through church. There is something about the bonds of faith that tie friends together in deep love. I took this picture at “Campformation” years ago showing the bonds of love that are formed in faith. Jesus calls us friends and asks us to love one another graciously. 

I experienced that gracious kind of friendship with Pastor Susang Han of Saeroun Korean Presbyterian Church, a partner of Desert Cross. Pastor Han entered the kingdom of heaven after a valiant battle with cancer leaving behind a loving wife, three beautiful children, and congregation that loves him dearly. The family invited me to deliver a eulogy at his memorial service, and I share an excerpt with you: 

I am honored and humbled to be speaking today as we celebrate such a special person and pastor.  I helped create a partnership with Pastor Han’s mission start church to worship at our Gilbert campus. I still remember the first time I met Pastor Han and his family in 2017, and my first impression was that he was a kind and gentle soul who embodied God’s grace. “Grace--full” is the word I would use for him, and I considered him a dear colleague and friend. Each time we met, he had encouraging words for my ministry and told me Desert Cross was in his prayers … In the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians: “I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.” I will always thank God for knowing Pastor Han and the way he modeled grace to me ... 

At the memorial service, several pastors who spoke made sure to mention how grateful Pastor Han and his church were for the partnership with Desert Cross. It was a gracious gesture of friendship offered from the Korean Presbyterian Church to take time to share those loving words. This relationship has made a difference in both churches, and our friendship will continue to blossom as we find new ways to partner and support each other.

May we each express our gratitude for our friends in Christ because of the grace given to us. These are precious bonds of love not easily broken which carry us through the challenges of life. Remember to give thanks to God for your friends, pray for new friends in Christ, and make sure to share your gratitude openly. May the Lord bind us together and help us to form new partnerships and friendships. Loving one another is our hope for the future.

In friendship, Pastor Andrea