Arthur Wrote To Us! by Lisa Anderson on 05/04/2009 at 2:30 PM

 
We got an e-mail from Arthur Blessitt!:

I read your column blog "Blessed By Blessitt" and I was very touched. You really got the point and message. God bless you. Thanks for the profound words. It truly is about Jesus, knowing and following Him and having Jesus change us. May you be blessed in all things. Was refreshing to read your words.

Peace,

Arthur

Thanks for writing, Arthur!

By the way, I'm reminded of one other part of the movie that actually upset me. Tell me what you think:

Arthur recounted his walk through an African country, and how he heard about a retreat center for missionaries in need of rest. He planned to stop there and stay for a couple of days in order to regroup and refresh. Upon arriving, however, the missionary couple in charge told him he couldn't stay, informing him that the rooms were reserved for "real" missionaries, or something to that effect. There was vacancy, and he was willing to pay, but was turned away. The couple was sorry, but they couldn't break "protocol" and welcome him.

Oh my word, I burst into tears in the theater!

The story continued: Arthur started down the hot, dusty road, wondering where he'd stay for the night, and saddened that his much-awaited opportunity for rest was not to be. After walking for a while, he turned around to see a couple chasing him down the road. They caught up and asked him if he was the guy walking around the world with a cross. He said yes, and they replied that they had heard about him, and would he be willing to stay with them for a few days, get some rest and share of his travels? He gratefully accepted, and returned with them to their home, wondering who these kind folks were to take him in and meet his needs.

They were atheists.

So Arthur was turned away by the Christians, and welcomed by the atheists.

Does anyone else just blaze away upon hearing this? I mean really, the point isn't about atheists showing kindness...far from it. My atheist friends are some of the most understanding, generous, caring people I know. My point is that we Christians, who have been given a mandate, spelled out in Scripture<, to care for the needs of others, can still miss the mark so obviously and egregiously. Heaven help us!

Thoughts? Have you become more aware of the needs of hurting people recently? What's gotten you there? How are you intentional in this area? Have you missed an opportunity, or messed it up? What did you learn as a result?

Arthur Wrote To Us! by Lisa Anderson on 05/04/2009 at 2:30 PM

 
We got an e-mail from Arthur Blessitt!:

I read your column blog "Blessed By Blessitt" and I was very touched. You really got the point and message. God bless you. Thanks for the profound words. It truly is about Jesus, knowing and following Him and having Jesus change us. May you be blessed in all things. Was refreshing to read your words.

Peace,

Arthur

Thanks for writing, Arthur!

By the way, I'm reminded of one other part of the movie that actually upset me. Tell me what you think:

Arthur recounted his walk through an African country, and how he heard about a retreat center for missionaries in need of rest. He planned to stop there and stay for a couple of days in order to regroup and refresh. Upon arriving, however, the missionary couple in charge told him he couldn't stay, informing him that the rooms were reserved for "real" missionaries, or something to that effect. There was vacancy, and he was willing to pay, but was turned away. The couple was sorry, but they couldn't break "protocol" and welcome him.

Oh my word, I burst into tears in the theater!

The story continued: Arthur started down the hot, dusty road, wondering where he'd stay for the night, and saddened that his much-awaited opportunity for rest was not to be. After walking for a while, he turned around to see a couple chasing him down the road. They caught up and asked him if he was the guy walking around the world with a cross. He said yes, and they replied that they had heard about him, and would he be willing to stay with them for a few days, get some rest and share of his travels? He gratefully accepted, and returned with them to their home, wondering who these kind folks were to take him in and meet his needs.

They were atheists.

So Arthur was turned away by the Christians, and welcomed by the atheists.

Does anyone else just blaze away upon hearing this? I mean really, the point isn't about atheists showing kindness...far from it. My atheist friends are some of the most understanding, generous, caring people I know. My point is that we Christians, who have been given a mandate, spelled out in Scripture<, to care for the needs of others, can still miss the mark so obviously and egregiously. Heaven help us!

Thoughts? Have you become more aware of the needs of hurting people recently? What's gotten you there? How are you intentional in this area? Have you missed an opportunity, or messed it up? What did you learn as a result?

Comments

[1. Jane said the following at 2:37 PM on May 4:]

1

As someone who no longer believes in God (generally, it's a long story) but is still interested in what Christians have to say, I'm glad you noted this instance. That said, I think Christians have a moral imperative to act as Christ did, or as close to his words and teachings as possible. Love one another, no matter "protocol".

[2. BDB said the following at 2:45 PM on May 4:]

2

Yes, working with all believers has definitely been on my mind.

I remember my ethics class in the MBA program. The professor was a Christian, but I didn't know that at the time. He was trying to get people to think in terms of morality. There was a business case on distributing the abortion pill. The American students remained silent. I realized I needed to speak up. The only other students willing to speak up were the international students from Catholic countries.

And this was actually a professor that was pro-Christian. He was trying to get these future managers to understand how freedom of religion, thought conscience and belief can impact business decisions. But even in a relatively supportive environment, only the foreigners were willing to stand up.

A couple of weeks ago I was at a ministry conference. I went to a session on how to share the Gospel with your neighbors. It was taught by a (white) couple who had spent most of their time as missionaries in Kenya with Campus Crusade for Christ. They were very affable and friendly.

What shocked us was how packed the room was. There were 10 people sitting on the floor to listen to them. I'm glad the fire marshall didn't come in.

The other thing that struck both me and them was the nature of the people who came. The looked diverse on the surface. But when they spoke up to share their ideas about how to share the Gospel - so many accents! Many in this room full of people, on fire to share the Gospel with their neighbors - were immigrants to the U.S.A.!

I couldn't help but think about all the years certain groups have been praying for God to raise up workers to create revival in America. I'm increasingly convinced that God is answering that prayer - by sending Christian immigrants to America.

It deeply saddens me to see so many Christians who are anti-immigrant. This is not a new phenomenon in America - Catholic immigrants faced it before the Latinos, and Chinese immigrants before that. But guess what? Those Chinese who have spread out all over the world, and are very pro-business? Many of them are Christians. The Christian minority in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia are largely ethnic Chinese.

We would do well to be more open to how God is moving.

[3. Tami said the following at 2:49 PM on May 4:]

3

Wow. How sad that the missionary housing turned him down! And yet, what an incredible opportunity it created for Blessit.

It sort of reminds me of Joseph. Kicked out by his own brothers, but eventually welcomed into the house of unbelieving Pharoah, for His purposes. God truly can take anything and turn it to good.

[4. brx said the following at 3:05 PM on May 4:]

4

Helping at a pastor & church leaders' conference recently, I heard story after story of things senior pastors struggle with. And I began to conclude that

the majority of discouragement and persecution often comes not from athiests and agnostics who reject the message, but from people who claim to already be devout followers of God.

I think Jesus experienced much of the same. And, I think Jesus tried to gently get the point across by making the Samaritan the hero of the parable.

Grace, peace, adventure & endurance!

[5. Elizabeth said the following at 6:14 PM on May 4:]

5

In response to post 2... I couldn't agree more.

Though many missionaries are sent out from North America I believe that now, more than ever, missionaries need to be sent here. I have seen the passion and courage of missionaries come to Canada. It saddens me to say that though there are many Christians in North America many do not take the opportunity to talk about Jesus with boldness. May God give us courage, boldness, love and compassion for our neighbors. The missions field does not have to be far away...it is right next door. It is something I need to remember as well.
-----
I went to Arthor Blessit's website and read about his journey through the jungle between Panama and Colombia. I was deeply encouraged and his story reminded me of the amazing God we serve. Thank You for your example of following and trusting God even in some of the most difficult circumstances. May God continue to bless your ministry Mr. Blessit.

[6. Neto said the following at 9:11 AM on May 5:]

6

@BDB

Very interesting opinion. Actually, I live in a hispanic country and it has become pretty common for several churches to send local missionaries to the U.S.

It feels a little bit strange though, since the first missionaries that came to our country were U.S. citizens, back in the day. Actually,my grandparents were some of the first local people that heard the Gospel from an American preacher.

My country is far, far from perfect. But I have commented on other entries how reading stories about christian self-censorship in the U.S. feels like stories from another world. Not judging, I just want to share my atonishment.

[7. Jonathon said the following at 2:24 PM on May 5:]

7

Blessit... bless it... coincidence?

[8. JenR said the following at 11:48 AM on May 6:]

8

Trying to understand what it truly means to be the church is something with which my small group, the ministry team I'm a part of, and even my "official" church are all struggling. It sounds silly - as a church, a body of believers, we should know how to be a church, right? We read the Bible, we have our beliefs, we study theology. Which is all well and good.

But do we study people?

I started a new job a few months ago that has me in direct contact with hundreds of people a week, if not a day, who are desperate, poor, and struggling just to get by. I encounter the mentally and physically disabled, refugees and immigrants, and just about any colorful character you can imagine. What a change from my white, middle-class American bubble I'd unwittingly been living in for the past few decades!

This job is literally a "thankless" one -- most of the day I hear complaints and frustrations and emotional breakdowns (when we're actually able to communicate -- I think I need to know at least a couple dozen of languages to do this job properly!). I work in a ministry that is also in a way "thankless" -- youth ministry. And we don't get the happy squeaky-clean "I love Jesus, yes I do!" suburbanite teens with parents who are involved. We get the kids no one else wants (really, we do). We get the kids who come each week because it just gets them out of the house and away from their crazy homelife.

If left to my choice, I'd like to go back to my "country club Christian" bubble.

But I'm surrounded by people who truly need Jesus, who, in many cases, have nothing in their lives that brings them any hope. Nothing!

And all of this is right in my backyard.

So that dream of mine, wanting to be a missionary since I was 11 and I penciled in "Missionary" on those career tests they make you take in middle school, is true. I may have experienced frustrations at never seeming to "go on a missions trip" for various reasons or another, but I'm on a missions trip every day of my life.

It's a hard concept to grasp - the idea that being a Christian isn't something I do when I'm in a good mood and when there are nice and happy people around me. But that being a Christian is really when I am able to throw off my selfish biases and bring hope to every person that comes into my office and home.

I don't always "get it right" -- for the first time in my life I have to struggle with the anger that comes from frustration and offense at being assumed less intelligent and capable than I really am (I'm sheepish to admit such pride, but there it is: I am human). I'm sure there are many instances I've missed or blown. There are definitely people I have a hard time loving.

But at least I'm not crawling back into my bubble.

[1. Jane said the following at 2:37 PM on May 4:]

1

As someone who no longer believes in God (generally, it's a long story) but is still interested in what Christians have to say, I'm glad you noted this instance. That said, I think Christians have a moral imperative to act as Christ did, or as close to his words and teachings as possible. Love one another, no matter "protocol".

[2. BDB said the following at 2:45 PM on May 4:]

2

Yes, working with all believers has definitely been on my mind.

I remember my ethics class in the MBA program. The professor was a Christian, but I didn't know that at the time. He was trying to get people to think in terms of morality. There was a business case on distributing the abortion pill. The American students remained silent. I realized I needed to speak up. The only other students willing to speak up were the international students from Catholic countries.

And this was actually a professor that was pro-Christian. He was trying to get these future managers to understand how freedom of religion, thought conscience and belief can impact business decisions. But even in a relatively supportive environment, only the foreigners were willing to stand up.

A couple of weeks ago I was at a ministry conference. I went to a session on how to share the Gospel with your neighbors. It was taught by a (white) couple who had spent most of their time as missionaries in Kenya with Campus Crusade for Christ. They were very affable and friendly.

What shocked us was how packed the room was. There were 10 people sitting on the floor to listen to them. I'm glad the fire marshall didn't come in.

The other thing that struck both me and them was the nature of the people who came. The looked diverse on the surface. But when they spoke up to share their ideas about how to share the Gospel - so many accents! Many in this room full of people, on fire to share the Gospel with their neighbors - were immigrants to the U.S.A.!

I couldn't help but think about all the years certain groups have been praying for God to raise up workers to create revival in America. I'm increasingly convinced that God is answering that prayer - by sending Christian immigrants to America.

It deeply saddens me to see so many Christians who are anti-immigrant. This is not a new phenomenon in America - Catholic immigrants faced it before the Latinos, and Chinese immigrants before that. But guess what? Those Chinese who have spread out all over the world, and are very pro-business? Many of them are Christians. The Christian minority in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia are largely ethnic Chinese.

We would do well to be more open to how God is moving.

[3. Tami said the following at 2:49 PM on May 4:]

3

Wow. How sad that the missionary housing turned him down! And yet, what an incredible opportunity it created for Blessit.

It sort of reminds me of Joseph. Kicked out by his own brothers, but eventually welcomed into the house of unbelieving Pharoah, for His purposes. God truly can take anything and turn it to good.

[4. brx said the following at 3:05 PM on May 4:]

4

Helping at a pastor & church leaders' conference recently, I heard story after story of things senior pastors struggle with. And I began to conclude that

the majority of discouragement and persecution often comes not from athiests and agnostics who reject the message, but from people who claim to already be devout followers of God.

I think Jesus experienced much of the same. And, I think Jesus tried to gently get the point across by making the Samaritan the hero of the parable.

Grace, peace, adventure & endurance!

[5. Elizabeth said the following at 6:14 PM on May 4:]

5

In response to post 2... I couldn't agree more.

Though many missionaries are sent out from North America I believe that now, more than ever, missionaries need to be sent here. I have seen the passion and courage of missionaries come to Canada. It saddens me to say that though there are many Christians in North America many do not take the opportunity to talk about Jesus with boldness. May God give us courage, boldness, love and compassion for our neighbors. The missions field does not have to be far away...it is right next door. It is something I need to remember as well.
-----
I went to Arthor Blessit's website and read about his journey through the jungle between Panama and Colombia. I was deeply encouraged and his story reminded me of the amazing God we serve. Thank You for your example of following and trusting God even in some of the most difficult circumstances. May God continue to bless your ministry Mr. Blessit.

[6. Neto said the following at 9:11 AM on May 5:]

6

@BDB

Very interesting opinion. Actually, I live in a hispanic country and it has become pretty common for several churches to send local missionaries to the U.S.

It feels a little bit strange though, since the first missionaries that came to our country were U.S. citizens, back in the day. Actually,my grandparents were some of the first local people that heard the Gospel from an American preacher.

My country is far, far from perfect. But I have commented on other entries how reading stories about christian self-censorship in the U.S. feels like stories from another world. Not judging, I just want to share my atonishment.

[7. Jonathon said the following at 2:24 PM on May 5:]

7

Blessit... bless it... coincidence?

[8. JenR said the following at 11:48 AM on May 6:]

8

Trying to understand what it truly means to be the church is something with which my small group, the ministry team I'm a part of, and even my "official" church are all struggling. It sounds silly - as a church, a body of believers, we should know how to be a church, right? We read the Bible, we have our beliefs, we study theology. Which is all well and good.

But do we study people?

I started a new job a few months ago that has me in direct contact with hundreds of people a week, if not a day, who are desperate, poor, and struggling just to get by. I encounter the mentally and physically disabled, refugees and immigrants, and just about any colorful character you can imagine. What a change from my white, middle-class American bubble I'd unwittingly been living in for the past few decades!

This job is literally a "thankless" one -- most of the day I hear complaints and frustrations and emotional breakdowns (when we're actually able to communicate -- I think I need to know at least a couple dozen of languages to do this job properly!). I work in a ministry that is also in a way "thankless" -- youth ministry. And we don't get the happy squeaky-clean "I love Jesus, yes I do!" suburbanite teens with parents who are involved. We get the kids no one else wants (really, we do). We get the kids who come each week because it just gets them out of the house and away from their crazy homelife.

If left to my choice, I'd like to go back to my "country club Christian" bubble.

But I'm surrounded by people who truly need Jesus, who, in many cases, have nothing in their lives that brings them any hope. Nothing!

And all of this is right in my backyard.

So that dream of mine, wanting to be a missionary since I was 11 and I penciled in "Missionary" on those career tests they make you take in middle school, is true. I may have experienced frustrations at never seeming to "go on a missions trip" for various reasons or another, but I'm on a missions trip every day of my life.

It's a hard concept to grasp - the idea that being a Christian isn't something I do when I'm in a good mood and when there are nice and happy people around me. But that being a Christian is really when I am able to throw off my selfish biases and bring hope to every person that comes into my office and home.

I don't always "get it right" -- for the first time in my life I have to struggle with the anger that comes from frustration and offense at being assumed less intelligent and capable than I really am (I'm sheepish to admit such pride, but there it is: I am human). I'm sure there are many instances I've missed or blown. There are definitely people I have a hard time loving.

But at least I'm not crawling back into my bubble.