Lost And Found

Lost and Found

The Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.

Luke 19:10

Our church choir was on a mission concert tour in Scotland. We were scheduled to sing at St. Mary’s Church in a small town one evening. Our guide and driver delivered us to the church about an hour before the seven o’clock concert to set up and warm up.

Our director, Charlotte, went to find the person in charge, but she could find only the caretaker. He said he was not aware that a concert was planned for that night. She assured him there was, so he unlocked the door.

We quickly set up our equipment and began warming up. Still no “official” host had come to welcome us. Even more perplexing was the lack of people to hear us sing. Not one single person had arrived by 6:40. Becoming alarmed, Charlotte sent one of the men to find help. Soon he returned with a nun, who assured us no one knew of a concert at the church that night.

“We are supposed to sing at St. Mary’s Church,” said Charlotte.

“Oh, dear!” said the nun. “We are St. Mary’s Cathedral. St. Mary’s Church is downtown.”

“Oh, no! Okay, everyone, grab the equipment, and let’s go! Now!” We all went flying out of the cathedral to our bus—which was locked. Another bus driver said our guide and driver had gone to eat while we were setting up. Now what? It was 6:50.

The other driver said, “Get on my bus, and I’ll take you.” With no time to question, we rushed onto his bus. When we arrived, Charlotte ran into the church, where she found the sanctuary full of people, patiently waiting.

We clambered out of the bus, lined up outside, and marched into the church at exactly 7:01, singing our opening number. It was a great concert.

Later, our guide said, “I’ve lost one person on a tour before, but never a whole choir!”

Thank you, dear Father, for always finding us when we are lost. Amen.