What’s in a Smile? posted by John Sorensen on Oct 27, 2014

A few days ago, we held a conference in Finland focused on evangelism. Quite a few pastors and leaders showed up ready to discuss this important issue facing the church today.  And while I’m encouraged by the participation and passion demonstrated by those that came, there was one pastor that impacted me the most.

Zachariah.

I’m sure I’m not doing justice to his name, but from what I could get, that was it.  You know, the one before Malachi.

He is a Adventist pastor in Helsinki at what I understood was the oldest Adventist church in Finland.  But there was nothing old about Zachariah…  I’m not sure his age, to be honest, but his eyes were new.  Sparkling, really.  Aglow with joy and mirth.  If I lived in Helsinki, I would go to his church.

And it’s not because of his theology, or his training, or his words, really.  It’s because of his smile.  To me, it seemed that his smile came from the very depth his soul.  Grounded in a joy that bubbled for his very being.

I’m not always sure of how I come across in cross-cultural situations. But I know this, because I was translated by this humble man, the 2 hour message was well received.  I think he was more excited about what I was saying than I was!  Amazing…  And grace… All in one.

How deep the Father’s love for us that we could see again a passion in the eyes of a stranger.  But a fellow servant.  A brother.  A friend.

It snowed the days I was there.  But my heart is aglow as I leave Finland.  All because of a smile…

How is your smile?  Does it shine forth the truth of Christ in you, the hope of glory?  Check the mirror.  I hope you find there a spark that will impact others today!

“How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure.  That He would give His only Son, and make a wretch His treasure.”