Selling the Table

By Craig Cunningham

What items can a pastor not do without? A Bible, for sure. A decent collection of commentaries and old sermons (purely for reference, of course). Some method of transportation, in case of emergency. 

I’d argue that as important as any of those is a good table. And this morning, we said goodbye to ours. I don’t think we’re overly attached to our furniture, now disappearing, slowly but surely, every day. But the table’s removal feels like a death in the family of sorts. Its departure has given us pause.  

That table was the biggest initial purchase we made when we arrived in Bolivia. It was a purchase made in faith. It was gi; it took up almost a whole room in that small first apartment we lived in. And it was expensive. Good tables were hard to come by in Trinidad, and there was no equivalent of IKEA. So, we took the plunge on a table made from tajibo, a high-quality, durable wood found here. 

And we did so in the hope that it would serve us well, however long we stayed in this country. 

Today, if we were to sit down and try to take a tally, I’m sure we would arrive at several hundred individuals who have graced that table. Visitors from other continents; visitors from the street; fellow missionaries; classmates from school; sports fans; church members. To all of whom, by God’s grave, we have been able to offer Christian hospitality. To extend to others something of the grace he has lavished upon us. 

I find myself today thinking of a dear olde couple from our homelands, whose pastoral ministry was a blessing to us when they served us Their home was a place of ministry. There was always a seat at their table. Their example has proved instructive ever since, particularly since taking on the role at Trinity. 

I hope that we have been able, in a small way, to follow that model. I give thanks for the many who have found a table prepared for them at Casa Cunningham, who have likewise blessed, Supported, challenged and encouraged us in so many ways. 

PS. For what it’s worth, we have sold the table for almost as much as we paid for it. 14 years later. So, the next time you are in Bolivia...