South Dakota's badlands
It started small. In 1931 the Wall was just an ordinary pharmacy with one
huge goal: to reach out to those in need. The depression years were terrible,
and many businesses were going belly up; but despite the fact that the home of
this particular pharmacy, Wall, South Dakota, was only a tiny town, it knew how
to survive.
How?
Located at the entrance to the South Dakota Badlands, tourists frequently passed
through Wall during the hot summer months. The pharmacist figured out that the
greatest need he could fill for these tourists was to quench their thirst.
Although in those days they did not have refrigerators like we do now, he
figured out a way to provide free ice water to anyone entering his pharmacy. But
more than this, he treated anyone visiting his store like royalty.
Before long, the little pharmacy of Wall, soon to be known as "The Wall", along
with its pharmacist who cared enough to take an interest in his customers,
became famous all over the state, and eventually all over the US. People
literally flocked in.
Over the years, business continued to boom, and now The Wall has expanded to the
point that it could better be called an indoor mall. Covering an entire city
block, it contains a variety of stores where one can buy clothing, shoes, books,
toys, souvenirs, music, food… and of course, pharmaceutical drugs. But it is
still renown not only for its many services, but especially for its friendly and
caring staff and its free ice water.
Being friendly attracts people. Caring for others makes people think. Being
genuinely interested into the welfare of others opens up even the hardcore
introverts. People flock to places where they really feel welcome.
I have to wonder why so many churches can't seem to attract those who don't know
Jesus.
I mean, the gospel message is powerful. Not only does it free people from
addictions, it also provides freedom and real life beyond anyone's wildest
dreams. Jesus is alive and He backs up his message of salvation: "I have come
that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV); "All
authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
(Matt 28:18-20 NIV).
So why aren't people flocking in?
Is it possible that it's because we, as Christians, do not know how to genuinely
be interested into the welfare of others? Is it possible that we don't really
know how to love others like Jesus did? Is it possible that we don't know Jesus
intimately enough? "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved
you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my
disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35 NIV); "No one has ever seen
God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete
in us." (1 John 4:12 NIV)
If newcomers don't feel welcome in an establishment, especially in a church,
they will eventually stop coming. Churches are famous for clicks, but we have to
ask ourselves if we attend church to be with our friends, or if we attend with
the single purpose of worshiping the One who makes a difference in our lives, of
loving and adoring Him and of loving and encouraging those He died for? Isn't
attending for any other reason truly a waste of time?
"Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name,
and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell
them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (Matt 7:22-23
NIV)
What is your purpose for attending church? Do you want to follow in Jesus'
steps? Do you want to obey His call to love one another and to broadcast His
dynamic message of love and deliverance to a generation that hungers for real
meaning in life?
"Excuse me, is your ice water truly free?"
"Absolutely sir. By the way, my name is Christian. Where are you coming from?
Let me help you out…"
A little bit of friendliness will have a huge impact on someone's life. If you
don't believe it, visit the Wall in Wall, South Dakota.
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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