“Strange”
is not the word and “confused” doesn’t fit Tony either. You
wouldn’t dare admit that in some deep way his ideas intrigued you.
I suppose every generation has to have a Wrong-Way Corrigan or
someone with only one oar in the water… But Tony was not exactly
one to be laughed at. He’d add an extra pair of headlights on the
BACK of his car just to keep the car following him on the ball. He
always did think it’d be more challenging to play baseball with a
football and bat, but again, that’s Tony.
Wednesday
evening the church group had their regular think tank to dream up new
ideas that might be fresh ways to attract folks into church to hear
the sweet promises written in the blood of the cross. When Tony
raised his hand to share his idea the pastor was sure it was a
mistake to hand him the dry erase marker and point to the white
board. Only a few times has Pastor Donaldson prayed harder than when
Turn-Around Tony shared his ‘ideas’ with the group.
You
just didn’t dare close Tony’s ideas out after he tells about the
church bus that he got saved in. The motor didn’t work ‘cuz there
wasn’t any. Ol’ #14 never moved from its spot on Jamison’s
property. Tony and the kids painted big letters on the sides that
said, “We Love Kids and Jesus Does Too!” Tony learned that if you
can’t get young souls to church in town, you take the church to
them. Little Nancy used her crayons and drew a bright red heart near
the letters with a big first aid cross in the middle. If you asked
her why she’ll put both hands on her 7 year old hips and say, “Well
our old bus is savin’ people just like the first aid truck with the
siren… so there!”
Well,
Tony removes the cap from the marker and writes, “TRAKKIN’” in
bold letters on the board, then turns to face his audience. Reaching
in his shirt pocket he produces a church tract showing all sides of
it to the group. He says, “Yes I know you all know what this is,
but I want to show you what I think it’s REALLY for.”
Pastor
shifts into his power praying mode nervous about what Turn-Around is
going to say. “My heart tells me over and over that these little
folded pieces of paper have tons more value than just leaving them on
the restaurant table, under windshield wipers, or in pockets at the
clothing store,” Tony begins. When you see below the tip of the
iceberg into the more valuable purposes God has for these, you begin
to understand what I call Trakkin’.”
With
his marker he begins a list of the depths of Trakkin’ and explains
each one. Several of the listeners started taking notes.
- “Trakkin’ teaches me as I get dressed, to pack a few tracts even before I reach for purse, wallet, keys, or cell phone. It helps me get my priorities straight even before my first bite of toast.
- We all agree the most important item of communication each day is sharing the gospel. Well, this tract in my pocket reminds me each time I reach for my cell phone or pen.
- Trakkin’ is also being mindful of my actions and attitudes as I see the tract peeking at me through the day. Boy! It sure has made a difference in my driving.
- Sure we all prefer sharing the gospel from scripture but when we go we leave a tract that has the gospel plan in writing so others can review God’s incredible love in redemption.
- Tracts designed well contain a church map, schedule of services, and a picture to show that my pastor has the required number of eyes.” Pastor Donaldson revved up his prayin’.
Tony
finished with, “And lastly, do you remember little Nancy who
colored the heart and first aid cross on the bus? You should have
seen her give people tracts at the fair. No one ever refused one.
Last November Nancy began skipping and jumping in the presence of her
Great Physician. She learned first hand she’d never need her wheel
chair in heaven.”
Trakkin’
teaches you to carry the word with crayons, chairs with wheels, or
broken busses.
