This morning we headed back toward the Missouri border to walk toward Joplin. Were getting closer everyday to our goal, and it looks like we are going to end right on time! We had the opportunity to speak tonight at a church over the Arkansas border and we knew we would be cutting it close to get there on time. So we came up with an idea that would help save us about 45 minutes and get us there on time. We knew we wanted to walk 15 miles today so we mapped it out and instead of walking from the place we stopped yesterday and heading north, we started 15 miles north of where we stopped and walked south. We covered the exact same road, but walked backwards and Dad didnt have to drive all the way out to pick us up and take us back to the church. Im sure I’ll think of a better way to describe that later, but for now, my brain hurts.
We were told that the last place to eat was a pizza place and there really wasnt anything else to eat for 45 minutes. Dad drove ahead of us as we walked and was surprised to find that the pizza place was closed down. There was a sign on the door that said “Coming Soon LifeSpring Church”. The only other place that served food there was a bar, named Legends. Dad went in and told them what we were doing and they immediately offered to feed us! I really didnt know what to think, but I felt like God was opening the door there for a reason so we accepted. Man am I glad we accepted! These were the kindest people. We sat at a table in the corner while they treated us to an incredible lunch and blessed us in the process. They let Dalton play XBOX in their office so he didn’t have to sit in the bar, while Dad used their WIFI to update the website and map out the last week of our trip. As we were leaving the owner, Lisa, gave us $50. Then one of their patrons gave us another $50! And another one put his hand in his pocket and gave us all the money he had. It was $8, but the point is he gave all he had!
We all thanked them and were getting ready to leave when a guy came over to our truck and introduced imself as the Pastor of the church that was opening in place of the pizza joint. We told him how great the bar owners were to us and he told us that he had a great relationship with them. The bar owner came out to talk to us some more and they began to tell us about an idea they had to promote the church. The Pastor has agreed to purchase custom shot glasses for the bar. On one side, will be a full color logo for the church with some sort of contact info. The other side would simply read “Give Us A Shot”! Now I know some people will be offended by that, but I admired them for making the best of what could be seen as an uncomfortable situation. He says he isnt promoting drinking, but rather is trying to reach those that do. The cool thing is that the bar owners are open to it. I think its great.
So after lunch we walked some more and then headed to the church to shower and get ready for service. This was a really nice church and the people really seemed cool. It was back over the Arkansas border a ways, but it seemed like it would be worth it. And it was worth it, to some degree. I just have a hard time understanding the way some Pastors think. If you invite someone to speak at your church, please take a moment to consider the big picture. First of all, we have walked ALL DAY to get there on time. Somehow, between dodging big rigs and trying not to sweat to death I was able to study for the message. Not just a message that lives on paper, but a message that I am living EVERYDAY! A message of SACRIFICE! And to thank me you offer me two pieces of pizza? “Do not take more than two pieces of pizza please”! Listen, Im thankful for the church that does what it can with what resources it has available to them. But this was a BEAUTIFUL big healthy church!
Now dont get me wrong, we dont speak at churches for the money. We do not ask for an offering or anything like that. We know (or should I say hope) that they are raising money for Speed The Light as well, so we are on the same page in that regard. We speak at churches to motivate teenagers to dream big for Speed The Light. But at some point common sense should kick in. Lets suffice it to say it didnt kick in tonight, and we left that church with an empty stomach, and an empty gas tank. Now you might expect an inexperienced youth pastor to drop the ball and do something like that. But this is But that isnt really even the strangest part of tonight. After we were finished speaking the Youth Pastor got up, thanked us, and then resigned! He even used our journey as an example while he tells his kids that after next week, he will no longer be their Youth Pastor! What a nightmare!!! Were sitting there after service watching these kids walk up to him and pour their hearts out about how much he means to them. I felt like we were in the Twilight Zone! He came up to us afterward and apologized for doing it on the same night we were here, but said it had to be done as it was being announced to the church on Sunday. We talked to people for a few more minutes and then he said “well guys, I’ve gotta lock up. Thanks again”!
I’m going to just leave it right there.
Instead of just focussing on our offenses, I want to end this blog on a good note! The bible says offenses will come, but it’s how we deal with those offenses, and what we get out of them that make us who we are! We all got in the truck and Dad had a big smile on his face. His smile turned to a chuckle, and then into all out laughter! I was like, “what’s so funny”? He said there is a scripture in the bible that says “in the face of destruction and famine, thou shall laugh”! Well, that might be a stretch here, but I started laughing too! I couldn’t help it! You know, today we should be sitting here thanking God for the church. But instead, I find myself thanking God for Legends Bar. Thank you lord for showing me that you are in control of it all. Thank you for Lisa and Scott. Thank you Lisa and Scott for your generosity! The bible says that God uses the foolish things to confound the wise. Lisa and Scott are far from fools. But most Christians would consider approaching a bar to feed two teenage boys on a fundraising walk for missions, to be foolish. And it might be. But after todays experience, I think Im keeping my eyes open for the foolish things!
BTW. Youth Pastor, if you are reading this, please don’t get offended. Just learn from it and grow from it. Use what you have read here to help you do the right thing next time. When you invite someone to speak to your kids, take into consideration where they are and what they are doing. What are their needs? How can I help them. Put yourself in their shoes. We are praying for you, and hope that God opens new doors of ministry for you. Take care.
June 26, 2009 at 5:00 am |
wow!