Sold Out!

It was a sunny afternoon when Howie and I were pulled off the highway fixing lunch at a lake. A man (who I will call “John,” to protect his privacy) heard Howie playing music. He came up and asked what kind of guitar Howie was playing. After some conversation, Howie asked him to join us for lunch. He replied, “No, thanks” and started to leave. Howie shook his hand and said, “Man, it was great to meet you, John.” John’s response is vividly engraved in my mind as he said with amazement in his voice, “Wow, nobody ever says that to me. Usually people just tell me to get away.” You see, John was homeless, wearing a jacket and carrying his pack in hand. He didn’t look neat and kempt like the tourists in this area.

Howie began to share with him the value John had in the eyes of God. This is a priceless message to those who feel like the offscouring of the Earth. It is really heartbreaking to think there are so many around us who feel worthless, ashamed, and alone because hard times hit.

We ended up praying with him, hugging him as tears streamed down his cheeks. Howie gave him a Living Water: The Gospel of John that is small enough to fit in his pack – some encouragement for the dark, lonely days and a copy of his CD “Wayfarin Strangers Amped”. As John left Howie told him he loved him that Jesus loves him, hugging him again. Tears softened his eyes, and John went his way, deeply touched, apologizing for crying.

Many of us pass the homeless regularly. What is our response? Are we inconvenienced by their presence? Do we wish they would just go away, take a bath and somehow not disrupt our view? Or, do we see them as dearly loved by our Heavenly Father and therefore, by us. My heart is challenged to respond to the “lowly” in our communities with kindness and mercy.

Heavenly Father, make us vessels of your love. Show us how to personally care for those we see that are in the greatest need a touch from you today.

“…Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” Matthew 24:34-36

 

A Sioux Indian in Rapid City told us as we were passing through to the Rosebud Reservation that the Native peoples reject the white man’s God because of the boarding school experiences. Children were removed from their homes, from their parents and all that was familiar and placed in a school where they were forbidden to keep their Indian names, speak their native tongue and practice the tribal traditions. The boarding schools were an attempt by some early missionaries to “convert” the natives. This attempt not only backfired but served to drive them away from Christianity in deep anger and bitterness. We heard a similar story 25 years ago from a Seneca teacher, herself growing up in a convent boarding school and claimed to have been baptized several times with no conversion.

We brought the matter to the Lord and asked Him to divinely give us a hearing among the tribal people.

Piya Mani Otipi Rehab Center

Eighteen people filed into the room of the substance abuse recovery program, took their seats on the couches and chairs that circled around the room and look at us, the “white” folks that have a message for them. Howie introduced us and began to share and play. Some yawned, a couple giggled and many avoided direct eye contact. We were wondering if we would be able to make the connection when Chris, the gal who took us there, passed out tambourines, which turned out to be a good thing as it helped open the communication between us all. Howie shared his own story of his involvement in drugs and alcohol, how he discovered the Bible out there on a dirt road with no Christians around, surrendered his life to the Lord and found freedom. He also shared how we lived on the Cattaraugus Reservation and began praying 25 years ago that we would have the opportunity to visit the Rosebud for Jesus.

I shared that my brother and I have always had a great admiration for the Native Americans because of their respect for the created things. Then I shared how Jesus himself was not the “white man’s” God, but was from a tribal people, the Jewish Nation, who had twelve tribes, much like the Sioux, and Jesus was called “The Lion of the Tribe of Judah”. This is a noble name.

Howie and I worked together to explain how the Creator became flesh and choose to become a man to teach us how to live. This perfect man, God in the flesh, took our sins upon himself and was nailed to the tree. But he did not stay there as he arose and conquered death. He will return to take us home – those who call upon his name.

By now the folks had discovered that our message was not what they expected and were tracking with us. Howie brought out his Indian made wooden flute and played for them. Many closed their eyes and respectfully listened with a prayerful attitude.

Howie shared the Gospel message clearly and in a very relevant manner. Then he offered prayer for anyone who wanted it after the session concluded. To our delight, nearly the entire group responded, individually coming up and sharing their story and receiving prayer.

The Lord Jesus applied His healing balm that day. Hearts were touched, decisions made and we were blessed beyond words.

But the blessing was to continue. God scheduled the opportunity for us to return, via a surprise cancelation and a phone call to Ray, Chris’ husband, to come lead the Sunday afternoon meeting. This was just as we were planning to leave the area. We saw the working of the Holy Spirit as He was not finished yet. We arrived to bright smiles and joy filled room. This second visit not only reinforced the message we shared, but strengthened our connection as well. We left our new friends each with a Gospel of John and exchange smiles until our paths cross again.

There is no speech, nor language, where their voice is not heard. Psalm 19:3

Life is full of surprises when married to Howie Campbell. Sunday, our day of rest, has turned into many opportunities to share.

Last Sunday Howie went to visit his NY jazz drummer’s church in Albany where he met Arthur Ware, Sr. Art happens to host “Gospel Hours”, a program on WSPN Radio out of Skidmore College in Saratoga, NY. Even though our music is not considered “gospel” in the strict sense, he had us in for a live interview this morning.

Nearing end of the interview Art asked Howie to share some closing thoughts. Howie shared his testimony of how he met Jesus while living way out on a dirt road, didn’t know any Christians, but began to read the Word. From here he discussed the truth that there is power in the Word of God and that it is able to bring a person to salvation. He encouraged all of the listening audience to read the Bible for themselves. And if they have never read John he suggested to begin there..

Have you read the Gospel of John? John was an eyewitness to Jesus for three and a half years. John will tell you who Jesus is. He has the answer to life’s most important question: What must I do to be saved?

Thank you, Art, for having us on your show.

Debbie