I know, its probably happened to all of us at one one time or another, but Wednesday night I found myself locked out of a monastery in Richmond. I was in Richmond for some life changing training and I made it back from my "city excursion" about 10 minutes after 10 p.m., the time they close the gates.
I stood outside side shivering in the rain as I picked up the emergency phone to let the people know I was trying to get in. The phone should not be called an emergency one, because nobody answered. Every time I tried to use it, I would go through voice prompts and then end up at one of the residents' voicemail. It was very frustrating - not only was I going to have to park my vehicle, the KidMobile (our gold minivan), on the street but I was also locked out myself.
It took some creativity, but I managed to get in without trying to scale the 12 ft high brick walls that surround the just after the Civil War built structure. I called some fellow attendees and they let me in a side door.
Two points from that humbling experience. First, i think I was given a great example of how people who don't know Jesus may feel every day. For many years, those who are Christians have called those without Christ - "lost". I felt what it was like to be "lost". I had left the monastery with about two hours of time before the closing of the gates. I was not a big fan of the salmon cakes served for dinner so I wondered out to find some local Italian fare. Apollo's provided a warm and tasty Stromboli that cured my hunger and excited my taste buds. I left there with 20 or so minutes left to get to Richmond Hill before the gates would close for the night, but decided that I did not want to fight the interstate back to downtown Richmond, near Shockoe Bottom. I instead decided to go back taking Broad Street to my destination as I had done earlier in the day.
I turned the wrong way out of the restaurant and went at least two miles out of the way before realizing I was moving away from the city. After turning around I made it back to the general area with just a few minutes to spare but could not find the corner of E. Grace Street where the monastery resides. I drove back and forth, up an down the streets that surround my destination, but it took me at least 15 minutes to stumble upon the base I was seeking. Then to be unable to get inside was extremely frustrating.
It dawned on me that people who do not know about Jesus, people who did not grow up in a Christian home, those who grew up in a place where Christianity is forbidden likely feel like I felt that night. It is quite possible that they know the direction they need to go to get to Jesus, but have no clue of what to do once they get there. It is also possible that some come to the outside of our churches and stare at the symbols that we no longer pay attention to - like the cross and, during this season, the manger - but feel like they are locked out because they don't know what it takes to get in.
Some may also feel helpless like I did with the emergency phone, it did nothing to let me in. Many who are still without Christ may look at the Bible with a puzzled look needing help and guidance like the Ethiopian that Phillip ministered to in the book of Acts. While I know the Holy Spirit can move without a translator, it would be much easier if one were available. People need someone to share the Truth with them.
It was fortunate for me that I had someone on the inside who could open the door for me to get in out of the rain and cold. I think there are many who are seeking God, whether they realize it or not, who need one of us to open the door of the gospel of Jesus for them. We have a responsibility, as the ones who are indeed inside the arms of our Savior to be seeking those who are looking to find that same place of refuge.
What are we doing to make sure the access to the Answer they are seeking is open and free? What are we doing to open those doors do that everyone can find their way into the safety and forgiveness of our Savior?
That is the point of The Bridge. It is my sincere desire to make sure that there is a place for people to come and find the love and forgiveness that can only come through our Savior. We are here to seek and ave the lost and to disciple and equip those who profess a faith in Jesus.
The second note is a change in my game plan for being the Pastor of The Bridge. Up to this point I have accepted a part-time package to attempt to launch and lead this congregation that was my dream and is still my passion. I have realized that I can't do the job I'm called to and work other jobs that take me away from the task God has given to me. Therefore, I was blessed to be trained this week in raising my own support and doing this new calling as a mission. I have fully accepted this idea and as soon as we get back from South Africa next month I will launch into a season of ministry partner recruitment. I hope to get to everyone and give them the opportunity to be a part of this much needed ministry to the students of Radford University and to the city of Radford at large.
I will need your prayers as I take on this new challenge, but I can no longer sit back and wait for it to happen. I must take a complete step of faith and do my part to fulfill this ministry calling that I have in my heart and life.
To God be the glory, now and forever,
Rusty
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