AP

One of the most idyllic camp sites one could ask for, Port Lincoln Tourist Park (South Australia) allocated us a site with uninterrupted vistas of the Jetty jutting out into the Spencer Gulf.

On this Sunday morning I recall that I could have just as happily sat on my deck chair looking out to sea, taking in the warm breeze, and appreciating all that God has made and made for us to enjoy, but to be honest that thought was really a lazy thought, one set in sin and designed to put me off going to church for worship and fellowship.

One other task pressed that lazy sinful thought deeper, and this was the fact that to get to the church we had a bit of packing up and moving to do to make it possible to drive the motorhome just a few kilometres.  

This task, while time consuming, has become less difficult as we have refined the process over the past nine months of our travels. Repetition does indeed perfect the process. Task at hand, I disconnected the electricity, then the water and was moving to wind in the awning when one of our neighbouring campers, a lovely lady traveling with her husband, asked, “Are you heading off this morning?” “No,” I replied, and explained that my wife had a speaking engagement at a local church to talk about the work of the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) and that we are Christians who normally attend a Presbyterian Church in Sydney.

The reply from our neighbour, “Oh you’re a good boy” and immediately without thinking I replied: “Jesus in Bible says there is none good but God” (Luke 18:19). I have no idea why I replied that way or how I recalled that verse only that I firmly believe that, as Scriptures says, God will give us the words to use. Her reply was touching and telling, “Oh, I feel ashamed now, I should be going to church as well, but we are so enjoying the break and I had completely forgotten what day it is.”

You know, I believed her, and had no reason to doubt her. My wife rounded the side of the van during our chat – perhaps in an attempt to hurry me up – and with this the conversation expanded, with my wife explaining all about the Far East Broadcasting Company and what she would be speaking about at this morning’s service and how many churches we had visited on this trip. My wife seemed to have forgotten why she was looking for me, but isn’t that the way, particularly when one gets the opportunity to talk about Jesus, Scripture and those working in God’s service. Time does fly.

We left that conversation with new friends who we pray will not miss another Sunday’s church service while on their travels. We also left them with an appreciation of the global impact of FEBC. And I have to say using the name of FEBC has been a great conversation starter with other campers – some show genuine interest, some think we have had an expenses paid trip by FEBC, a view we soon dispel. No matter what they may think, we have been blessed to meet Christians but unfortunately the not-saved far outnumber the saved. Always mindful that God is in control and His will, will be done…….and …….perhaps on that particular Sunday morning when I was being lazy our God took this weakness and used it for His good purposes. 

It’s always easier to makes excuses not to do things than it is to do them. So said my pastoral friend when I explained why I had missed Bible study a few times, the reason being I had come home from work tired and worn out. We advise others better than we listen ourselves.

– Gary McArthur