This was the first time since 1987 I missed the IMS motorcycle show in Long Beach. And this year I really didn't miss it, which surprised even me. A great time while the kids were growing up, ask Andrew as he would take over the PW50 each year and let no one else sit on it. And fun also when working the CMA booth, too. Meeting people, praying, and fellowshipping. But things had begun to change the past few years, and sadly there is nothing there I can't see any day somewhere in So Cal. Or get a better deal on. And with the helmet and hat check ministry well manned, the past few years worked the booth, until it got to be hangout for visiting CMA reps. Sorry-but a group of guys not getting up to welcome a guest just isn't hospitable. Ask Wayne how he met me, after I stopped by for years with no one greeting me. So the last time I worked it, rather than sit, I went out to visit. Stopping by the Star display, I met a Hessian-old school. My opening line-"you know you could be a real biker too if you had one of these" made him laugh. After visiting for about 15 minutes, joking how real choppers weren't these designer bikes, after mentioning CMA, and what we do-got a handshake from Sam as he introduced himself. And exchanged cards. Old friends for all of 15 minutes, but a friend none the less.
But the cold weather this morning, 35 degrees, reminded me of another time when living in Durango. I had told God I would shovel horse manure so we could live there, and ended up dumping crappers on buses at a gas station/truck stop. Fortunately there were other jobs, just not as much fun. Be careful what you ask for, God hears it all. Sometimes no is a big blessing.
Many people don't know that diesel fuel #2 is really light oil, and will gel in the cold. So it is cut with kerosene-diesel #1 or jet fuel, so that it flows. Working the night shift-it was below 0, a Texas pickup came in-not unusual. It was running bad due to the cold, made worse by shutting it off. After filling it, it would not restart-the fuel had jelled. Being a common occurrence, we pushed it into a bus bay, unheated but warmer than outside, and using a real steam cleaner, tried to thaw the lines-with no success. The truck was going nowhere until it thawed. It was closing time and Randy and Teresa, the truck's owners had no place to stay. So we took them home with us-where it was -20 that night. And after the cabin heated up-it only took an hour until we could take off our jackets-we only had wood heat-visited and went to bed, so they could get their truck in the morning when I went to work. Nothing fancy, just taking in two strangers who needed a place to stay. And fellowship, as we found they were Christians also. Maybe the best definition of teamwork, and ministry I ever heard-if it needs to be done-DO IT!
In 3John, I find it fascinating he mentions names, as he doesn't in 2John as it could be dangerous to be identified as Christian at the time. But here Gaius is mentioned, in the same book about Jesus, and Paul and the other apostles. He is mentioned for being known for his hospitality. His reputation was taking in visiting Christians, feeding and sheltering them, and also giving them funds in case there was no Gaius to stay with the next night. A task so important that God mentions him by name-now that is recognition.
Remember it is the small things that go unnoticed by man, but God sees it all. Whether frozen Texans, or talking with a Hessian-it's OK to leave the safety of the booth and greet them. You never know what your kindness can mean at any time, so extend God's love. Greet people, talk with them-better yet listen. And get rid of your old rule book and minister in the spirit-the same one God recognized Gaius for. There could be some future CMA'ers just waiting to minister-or a hurting one needing love. Or someone who gets to see Jesus in action by your compassion. Don't miss the blessing! First time my fault-second time yours! Good thing God forgives!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com