Avalon Chronicles #84: "Divine Encounters-Part Two"

Avalon Chronicles #84: "Divine Encounters-Part Two"

by Allen B. Clark

allenbclark@aol.com

www.combatfaith.com

www.combatfaith.blogspot.com

The most "divine" and auspicious of all our multitude of "Divine Encounters" occurred in the village of St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe, three miles from Dover, which is situated only nineteen miles from the French coast across the English Channel. This is the shortest distance to France across the Channel. The village literally sits on the high ground above the iconic landmark of the "White Cliffs of Dover."
(We learned that in late May and early June 1940 Dover and the surrounding coastal locations were where more than 800 small fishing and pleasure vessels departed to cross the channel along with Royal Navy ships to to accomplish the epic evacuation back to England of 338,226 Allied soldiers, who had been pinned down at Dunkirk, France after the lightning attack of the Germans across northern Europe. The allied troops had been pinned down and surrounded at Dunkirk. I have already seen the new movie "Dunkirk." It is very graphic in violence so be forewarned, but it was timely for me after my return from the English coast."

Upon checking in to our hotel we decided to walk around the quaint old village we visited. It was August 9th, one day before the second anniversary from 2015 of the untimely and sudden death of Linda's only child, Vincent. It was anticipated by us both that August 10th would be very emotional for Linda. But, on its eve in that ancient village, the Lord provided and exceptional, poignant, and memorable "Divine Encounter" that was very healing for Linda.

Across the road from our lodging there loomed on the high ground, covered from the road by many trees, foliage, and vines, a large granite structure, dwarfing all the village buildings. We saw a sign that indicated it was the Anglican Church of St. Margaret of Antioch. We walked though its cemetery, populated by old tombstones. The church itself was locked, but the notice indicated the key could be obtained just down the road at a village store. We decided to obtain the key later in the day. After supper we decided to walk to obtain the key and observed a woman entering the grounds. We asked her if the church would now be open for us to visit. She said yes and we would be welcome as the choir was there for their weekly choir practice. We followed her with much gratitude. Linda proceeded to kneel and pray inside and I, as is typical for me on visits to English churches, sought out the ever-present memorial plaques to the military service deaths of the congregants of that church. In this church there were thirty one names from World War I and ten names for World War II. (The casualty list for World War I bore out what a worshipper told us in Brighton when we attended a service at its Anglican St. Nicholas Church. He said in some villages after World War I all the young men were killed in combat leaving the locale bereft of any young males. This obviously was the case here.) After a few minutes the choir director asked us to join the choir in the practice and sing with them!

We joined the choir for only one hymn, which they had been rehearsing. It was "Be Still For the Presence of the Lord." It is a beautiful hymn! Before we joined them in the singing, I stood at the back of the fifteen or so members and was touched as the joy of the Lord was evidenced in the choir members as they sang. They reflected such warmth and peace and contentment. I was touched emotionally to the point of tears. There are numerous renditions on You Tube, but I am especially drawn to the one dated 6/20/14 , a Christian Music Programme.

 A partial recounting of some the words include: "We stand on holy ground Be still for the presence of the Lord The Holy One is here. Be still for the power of the Lord is moving in this place. No work too hard for Him In faith receive from Him."

I was blessed to have the opportunity to say a few words to the choir and introduced ourselves as Anglicans from Texas. I announced we were decided  Anglophiles and had been met on our trip with much warmth from the English people with whom we had been in contact. As we departed one of the men hugged and embraced Linda. It was an incredibly amazing experience to help Linda face the emotion of the next day. We consider it the highlight of our entire visit to England.

Our Lord blessed us immeasurably throughout our visit. In faith we received from Him blessings and the knowledge that He can answer all prayers and no work on our behalf is too hard for Him. It is up to us to ask Him to perform the work. We just pray and step back. He fulfilled the "Divine Encounters" for which we prayed! Since our return I have listened and watched several renditions of this hymn on You Tube. Never do I cease to be touched. Perhaps you too will be?