U Matters - 10 February 2022 | U Matters

U Matters - 10 February 2022

by Rev Dr Michele Bland on February 10, 2022

U MATTERS

The Olympics seem to be fitting for us at this time in Hong Kong - as most of us feel like we are running a marathon. Whether you are in quarantine, homeschooling, working from home, standing in line for COVID tests, waiting the results of COVID tests, managing logistics and contingency plans yet again - you are running a marathon.

Today, I experienced my own marathon as I was able to participate in “a day in the life of a BUFF member”. It started at 9:30am and finished at 2:00pm - this Zoom marathon included meetings with professionals discussing the details of Lighting, IT and AV. Thank you Maurice O’Brien, Patrick Wilson, Shaun Dove, Ricky Lai, Rob Porter, Patrick Raths and Jessey Xiong! What a marathon this team and the entire BUFF team have been running - we are truly grateful.

We run with a purpose and we do not run alone - God is with us and we have each other. So then, “…let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-3

Strength and peace as you run your own marathon,

Pastor Michele

About the Author

Rev Dr Michele Bland

Pastor Michele came to Hong Kong in 1996 with her husband Glenn. Pastor Michele holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, a Masters of Divinity, a Masters in Theology and a Masters in Psychology. Michele was ordained with the Canadian Baptist Convention, has advance standing in CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education), and before coming to Asia she was a youth pastor.

Pastor Michele was appointed Associate Pastor at Union Church in 2012 and became Senior Pastor in 2020. She is a trained Stephen Leader and has trained over 20 members of our congregation to become Stephen Ministers. During her time in Hong Kong, Pastor Michele served on the pastoral staff at another international church for over a decade and has worked in private practice. She has taught in hospitals in China, as well as seminaries in Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Pastor Michele has two university-aged children. Highlights have included working on a kibbutz in Israel, traveling to far off destinations and hanging out with her family. She loves good coffee and conversation.