May 21 made big news this year.  On billboards around the world, according to news reports, the 2nd coming of Christ was publicized.  Not in Cameroon, though, so I didn’t know about it until May 20!  I’m not writing to criticize those who followed a pastor without checking his word against Scripture for accuracy. I’m not writing to ridicule the pastor or to judge him either.  I wouldn’t have minded being “raptured” Saturday – it’ll be great to be with Jesus… in HIS time.

In an ironic twist of Providence (not fate), one of our missionary colleagues did, however experience his own personal “rapture.”  Shawn Kelley, Field Administrator for World Team was called to heaven.  Having experienced some respratory problems, he was taken to the hospital and seen by a missionary doctor.  He was doing better and returned home.  Later his health tood a turn, and on Saturday morning May 21, 2011 he very unexpectedly passed away. 

Shawn had no warnings, no special message from the Lord indicating that his time on Earth was coming to an end.  It was sudden and quite a shock to family, friends, and colleagues.  But Shawn was ready!  He was a servant of the Lord.  He loved Jesus with all his heart, soul, mind and strength.  He loved his neighbor as himself and his servant heart was evident to all who knew him. 

Ok, Jesus did not come to take up his own on May 21, 2011 with a cataclysmic display of earthquakes around the globe.  But one day we will all be accountable to our Creator.  Whether at the 2nd coming of Christ or by death that comes to us all.  Are you ready?