Thoughtful Thursday

Be a Buzzer Beater!

During the 1980’s, my husband and I were privileged to work at a church youth camp in Kentucky. Our group was high school aged students, so we were able to spend the week with some of the finest teenagers that I’ve ever met. We were there to lead them, but our own spiritual growth was greatly enhanced by this one week each year.

The campers participated in many activities, including Bible study, chapel, vespers, (an evening devotion time), softball, volleyball, music, drama, and crafts, and our personal favorite…campfire.

Just before campfire, we scheduled something called, “Evening Activities.” This was usually some sort of game or team-building activities that promoted fellowship and bonding. I want to tell you about one particular activity that I will never forget.

On this hot, sultry evening in June, we decided to take part in a role-playing game to teach the campers what it was like to be a Christian in the early days of the church. When the buzzer rang, everyone met outside the dining hall. There we gave instructions for the task at hand. This activity was called, “Persecution.” Each camper was given an identity card. Some said, “Tent Maker,” or, “Fisherman,” or, “Seamstress.” Some were given titles, such as, “Roman Soldier,” or, “Bishop,” or, “Jailer.” One card said, “Executioner,” and a few said, “Spy.” Underneath each designation, was information that told if the person was a Christian, not a Christian, (but willing to be converted), not a Christian, and would never convert.

We explained how Christians in the early church could not worship freely, for fear of death. We told them about the Ichthus fish. If they met someone, and they weren’t sure if it was safe to talk about, “The Way,” or Jesus’ teachings, they would draw an arc in the sand. If the other person was a Christian, they would complete the drawing by mirroring the arc underneath, crossing the top arc at the end, thus making the symbol of the fish.

The campers were given thirty minutes to mingle and play out their role representing the days of the early church. We watched as some campers really threw themselves into their role. One of the “fishermen” had somehow come up with a rod and reel. A seamstress was sitting and sewing as others interacted with her. We watched as those in the role of “Christian,” found others of like faith, and set up secret meeting places to worship. As some were “converted,” they were taken to a place to emulate baptism. We also watched as some were not careful, and they got arrested, and put in “prison.” Then, someone dressed as an Angel freed them.

As faculty members, we also took part in the game. We especially tried to find those who were hesitant about their role, and gave them some encouragement. We tried to make sure that everyone was participating. One faculty member was playing the role of a Roman soldier, who was willing to be converted. A small group of campers who were Christians approached him.

“Good day, Sir,” they said. He did not answer. They drew an arc in the sand. He did not respond. “Excuse me, sir,” said one. Have you heard of The Way?” The soldier finally responded. “The only way that I know is the way of the Roman government.”

Risking arrest, or even their very lives, one of them asked, “Have you heard about a man called Jesus, who died on the cross, and rose again on the third day? He did this for us…for you and me…so that we could have a way into heaven. But first you need to believe. Do you believe in this man called Jesus? For a moment, silence filled the air. The campers were certain that they were going to be arrested. Then, the soldier looked at them. He took a deep breath, and said, “Tell me more about this man called Jesus.” Just as the group of campers smiled, and breathed a sigh of relief, and one leaned in to speak directly into the soldier’s ear…

THE BUZZER RANG! The game was over. Time had run out.

Friends, real life is not a game. If you don’t know The Way…If you don’t know who Jesus is…If you haven’t accepted Him as Lord and Savior…don’t wait until it is too late:

TOO LATE…to know God’s love:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

TOO LATE…to know God’s sacrifice:
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 

TOO LATE…to know God’s mercy:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

TOO LATE…to know God’s steadfastness:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

One day, this old life will be over. It will come to an end. But, it won’t be a buzzer that we hear. It will be a mighty trumpet sound!

Don’t wait until it’s too late.