First of all, this is kinda long–I hope you’ll stick with it! Second, to my fellow logophiles, let me assure you that the spelling in the title is intentional. “Labour” is in the Canadian spelling (for my friends south of the border,) and “fruit” has an “s” to make sure that it’s read in the plural 
Now for the important news!
Last night was certainly the crescendo of a lot of hard work on campus, yet it ended up not necessarily being the highlight–let me explain. For those unaware, a fellow pastor-friend Andy and I have been partnering as chaplains at the University of Ottawa. Feeling an interest among campus ministry leaders to have a joint expression of our common faith in Jesus, Andy and I desired to give a gift to the campus in the form of organizing a big joint worship service . . . a campus-wide worship night, lovingly referred to as “c-dub.”
So last night, a mass of Christians from Baptist, Pentecostal, Catholic, Anglican, Coptic Orthodox backgrounds and more gathered in the campus auditorium, smack in the middle of the university. The theme of the evening was LIGHT, specifically Jesus as the LIGHT of the world and our common source . . . and Jesus as making us LIGHT, our common output. I had the privilege of leading a band put together with musicians from the various clubs, playing from a beautiful stage decked out with dozens of various lamps. As the lamps all drew power from the same source and unanimously emanated light, so we drank deep of the Holy Spirit and lifted our voices in united songs of exaltation. It was truly invigorating to sing together, to pray together, to sincerely worship together. During the service a number of students came forward to turn on lamps signifying a commitment or re-commitment to Jesus as the LIGHT of their lives. (Even our university sound guy came and lit a light!) Then, we ended the night with a prayer walk through campus, holding candles and telling everyone who asked about the LIGHT that fills our lives.
One student leader relayed to us that her favourite moment was turning around during the prayer walk to see all the candles behind her causing her to think, “I am not alone, there are other Christians here.” Another student who looked up to see the reflection of the many candles reflect off the windows of some faculty offices was moved to tears as she thought, “Wow, look at all our lights together. They will find a way inside those offices one day.”
So yeah, it was a lot of work and a fair amount of money, but it was TOTALLY worth it to see so many Christians worshipping, loving each other and getting excited about what God is doing on campus. With a smile on my face and in my heart, I tiredly returned home and ate my Subway sandwich with Carrie at midnight and slept soundly–which brings us to today.
If you’re still with me, check out this great expression of what last night was all about. I got to campus in time to visit my first Tuesday afternoon prayer and praise session with the Catholic group (CCO). The Catholic staff guy who usually leads and plays guitar was busy meeting with another student, so they asked me (the Protestant pastor) to lead. So I did and had a great time doing it, then we all filed back into the common area to find something special. As we were praying and singing, the CCO staff guy had the privilege of leading the other student into accepting Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. The room buzzed with excitement as hugs and congratulations were passed around!!! Another called out of darkness into marvelous LIGHT!