By Dale Ward
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
“Hello, Poppo,” squawked the walk-talkie in my hand.
“Hello, Ollie,” I answered back to the rear of the campervan. And, as one does with a three-year-old, we repeated that interaction several times. We didn’t say much after hello—that wasn’t important.
What was important (and fun for a grandpa) was the connection. What mattered was not what was said but that we each had a buddy on the other end of the line. A buddy that we could reach out to anytime and know they were there.
So, you’ve now got a pretty good read on our two-hour drive this weekend to the farm.
Beep: “Hello, Poppo.”
Beep: “Hello, Ollie.” And then another mile or so down the road...
Beep: “Hello, Poppo.”
Beep: “Hello, Ollie.”
The walkie-talkies reminded me a bit of what our job is as disciples of Christ. We are called to be the 'hello' at the other end of the line for people seeking community.
It was so much fun having Ollie here for a weekend and taking in the harvest at a family farm. Lots of big tractors and equipment and fun in the dirt! (Sorry, “soil.”)
The walkie-talkies reminded me a bit of what our job is as disciples of Christ. We are called to be the “hello” at the other end of the line for people seeking community. We are called to press the talk button and reach out to those that might be looking for a community. At Northwest Community of Christ, we create a community that celebrates one another and lifts one another up as we journey to live out Christ’s mission.
We share opportunities to experience joy, hope, love, and peace in real life, in real time, as we journey together in pursuing Christ’s call.
In 1 Peter 3:15 the scripture says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
I think it means we need to be ready to answer the walkie-talkie call from anyone we meet. We need to be ready to share the reason for the hope we find in Christ. Press the talk button, and invite someone you know to church.