July Update - FIRE!!

There was a fire just starting on our street. I tried calling 911 on my cell but they wanted a lot of personal information and data from me before they even asked what the emergency was and the fire was growing. I looked down the street and there was a fireman checking a hydrant so ran to him to tell him. He kept on fiddling with the fire hydrant and said, “Yeah, I’ll call it in.” The fire was now engulfing the house. Many trucks came and a lot of fireman were all scrambling and getting hoses ready and connecting them, talking on their radios, getting out equipment and raising ladders. But not one hose was spraying on the fire yet. The fire was spreading to the nearby trees, yards and the roofs of neighboring homes. By the time the water was flowing, the fire was consuming the entire block. Then, I woke up….   It was only a dream. Or was it. I was really disturbed by the dream. Angry actually. Frustrated. I felt it was real. That it could happen. And then I realized it is happening. Christians are really busy. Doing a lot of things. Administrating this. And that. Gathering all kinds of seemingly important information that really doesn’t matter if it is in your computer or iphone or file cabinet at all because that’s where it sits. People are made aware of the danger of so many people all over the world, oppressed, in poverty, lost, but also your next door neighbor. They continue not knowing about the grace that can quench the guilt and rescue their souls. We are busy. Reading our Bibles. Going to ‘how to’ evangelize classes. Encouraging each other to worship. Having BBQs with our church friends. Discussing the need. Getting counseling. Praying for needs and wants. But, the world is engulfed and very little water is being poured on the flames. We need firemen actually fighting the fire.
   I’m heading to Atlanta this month for a one day conference with John Maxwell’s Equip and meeting with their International Director on an opportunity to train Chinese pastors in China to multiply their efforts. Perhaps firemen can be found within the neighborhood. When the dream fire started, a few garden hoses probably could have done the job. Put out a fire this month. Tell someone about Jesus.