Pastor John Wright

Just quick updates for your prayers and reflections. Last night I went to Bread of Life. I was humbled as Shadow asked me to witness and bless his marriage as the officiating clergy. Of course, this raises certain issues that come to light with the nature of marriage and catechesis and Shadow. But I never will forget his love and concern for me when I fell and dislocated my knee 18 months ago at the church.

Then I went to see Bill Hatcher whom Deron had taken to the emergency room at Mercy Hospital in the afternoon. It was a little after 8:00 pm, and he was still in the emergency room. He still had not seen a doctor. I have yet to get today's update, but I'm sure he waited for hours before getting a room. The emergency room was full with sick and hurt people of all ages -- from geriatrics to an infant. As he was suffering no trauma and had no private insurance, I'm sure he was low on the triage scale. It was a depressing place to be -- I wonder how much longer such a slow system can exist in its care for the sick.

This morning I received an email that John Kang had died. John is a friend of the congregation, the longest US dwelling person from the Sudan. His son, Duach, is my student this year, and Nyawech regularly attends with us. Gordan, Duach's older brother, was a long participant in our youth group. It was very sad.

Then in early afternoon I was told that John was yet alive, though still unconscious. They had announced his death already in chapel. Now we just need to pray for John and his family. He has been a great friend of the congregation and a source of wisdom for living with those from the Sudan, Nuer and Dinka, as part of us.