Scores of people receiving much needed hydration…hundreds of tired faces beaming with excitement at the prospect of a chocolate-chip cookie…exhausted bodies flopping onto pop-up cots to rest in the breeze of giant fans. Scenes from last weekend’s Hotter’N Hell 100 or a picture of the church functioning as Christ has called us?
As I watched the 60+ volunteers at Rest Stop #9 move with the precision of a single purpose I wondered how big the smile on God’s face would be if the Church could embrace that philosophy of ministry – do whatever it takes to bring people who are far from God into a relationship with him.
On Sunday I mentioned that Rest Stop #9 received two separate “Let’s hear it for the volunteers!” from the riders during our busiest time of the day, with one being followed up by a round of applause from the weary travelers! We were not out there to receive thanks or praise for giving of our time – we were there to help those riders meet the goal they set out to accomplish. We were there to help them along in their journey. We only wanted to give them what they needed so that they could get back on their bike and pedal for another 18 miles.
How does the Church help people finish their race? How can the Church be better supplied for the points in between the beginning and the end of the race? Do we have the supplies necessary to get people from mile 82 to the finish line?
What can we learn from this phenomenal community-wide event? How can we apply the principles employed to keep bikers hydrated and ready to race to moving people across the line of faith and then on to be fully devoted followers of Christ?
Thoughts? Comments?
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