A Bridge Too Far?

Dear Crosswalkers, Last Sunday we were captivated by the story of Oscar James, missionary to his native country of Liberia.  He came to study in the States two months before Civil War broke out, and the family he left behind all died as a result.  He never wanted to go back to Africa, but God had a better plan, and a bridge of love for the people of Liberia sent him back!   Today is St. Patrick's Day, and this day celebrates another bridge of love.  According to the book, People Whose Faith Got Them Into Trouble, as a youth Patrick lived a comfortable life near an English coastal city where his father was a deacon in their church. But at the age of 16, his comfortable life disintegrated. Irish pirates attacked his village, abducting Patrick. After arriving in Ireland, Patrick was sold as a slave to a Druid tribal chieftain who forced Patrick to work with a herd of pigs. In the midst of pig filth, God began to change Patrick's heart. In his Confessions he wrote,"I was sixteen and knew not the true God, but in a strange land the Lord opened my unbelieving eyes, and I was converted." Patrick became convinced that the kidnapping and homesickness were actually opportunities to know Christ better.  He wrote:  "Anything that happens to me, whether pleasant or distasteful, I ought to accept with [serenity] giving thanks to God … who never disappoints." After serving as a slave for six years, Patrick escaped, boarded a boat, and somehow found his way back home. At long last, he was on British soil, warmly embraced by his family and his community. In his own mind Patrick was done with Ireland for good. According to Patrick, "It is not in my nature to show divine mercy toward the very ones who once enslaved me." Once again, God would change Patrick's heart, and build a bridge from his heart to the people of Ireland who had abused him. Partially through a dramatic dream, Patrick knew that God had called him to return to Ireland—not as a slave, but as a preacher of the gospel. His family and friends were understandably horrified by his decision. "Many friends tried to stop my mission," Patrick wrote. "They said, 'Why does this fellow waste himself among dangerous enemies who don't even know God?'" Despite these objections, in A.D. 432 Patrick used his own money to purchase a boat and sail back to Ireland. Patrick spent the rest of his life preaching the gospel in Ireland, watching many people come to Christ. He also passionately defended the human rights of slaves. For the rest of his life, Patrick would remain captivated by the grace of God. In hisConfessions he wrote: And I am certain of this: I was a dumb stone lying squashed in the mud; the Mighty and Merciful God came, dug me out and set me on top of the wall. Therefore, I praise him and ought to render him something for his wonderful benefits to me both now and in eternity. Jesus built a bridge from Oscar's heart to Africa, and from Patrick's heart to Ireland.  Humanly speaking, it was a bridge too far.  From God's perspective, it was a bridge of grace.  From God's perspective, no bridge is too far.  How is God building a bridge in your heart?   See you Sunday! Blessings, Pastor John

A BRIDGE TO JAPAN? From our missionary in Japan, John Letaw: "Tomodachi"  is Japanese for "friend".  On March 12 -- the day following the Sendai Earthquake -- U.S. Forces Pacific launched Operation Tomodachi, a massive undertaking to bring aid to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami.  On mainland Japan, Iwakuni is the closest military airfield to Okinawa, so our little base has become a major staging point for relief work.  A fleet of C-130s is bringing in supplies, and delivering them further north to the stricken areas. The base is providing logistic support to rescue teams already on the ground, augmenting Japanese civil and military forces.   From our missionary to Asia, Wilson Phang: Wilson is scheduled to travel into Japan in 3 weeks.  However, with the radioactive risks, many whom Wilson is scheduled to minister to are choosing to leave the country, internationals and Japanese nationals alike.  Please pray with us as we consider the prudence of this trip at this time. From Rick Warren:  More than 2 billion people claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. That’s one third of the world’s population! Imagine all of us focusing our prayers, resources, and efforts on helping the people of Japan. Please pray for the Japanese people and their recovery from the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and aftershocks!  We will alert you to other practical ways in which you can help in the days and weeks ahead.