It’s been more than a week when I was recognized in Cleveland as a “National Treasure!” The people who witnessed it in the room applauded and confirmed that this was good. A big slide on the screen concurred it was not a mistaken identity. Pictures were taken with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Haggray, the Executive Director of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies presenting me with the award. Attendees from Northern California and particularly members of Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland where I am currently the interim pastor crowded together to capture the memory. I was blushing and my daughter, the Rev. Dr. Lauren Lisa Ng, the first conference speaker in Cleveland simply said, “I am proud of you, Pops!”
When I heard of this recognition, the first thought that entered my mind was that I was only a “clay pot” and the treasure inside is Christ and the power belongs to God. (2 Cor. 4:7) I am truly honored and grateful for the service that God has invited me to provide through the American Baptist family over many years. And I hope and pray that when life crushes us, confuses us, frustrates us, persecutes us, and even strikes us down, we will not waver because as I have known Jesus in my life, I believe Jesus will not give up on you either.
This National Treasure sees the beautiful and valuable gifts that you have. May our clay pots reveal God’s shining light of hope and peace in the darkness of the world.