Mark 1:37When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you."
For an event as enormous as Passion 2012 to be successful, 42,000 college students from around the country and the world need to feel welcome, at ease, at home.
This is the job of the "Door Holder", 1,700 adult volunteers who meet, greet, and assist the students in every way imaginable.
Whether they are directing the huge crowd in and out of the Georgia Dome, lining the sidewalk to guide them to the building where box lunches are distributed, or steering them through the gargantuan Georgia World Congress Center for registration and group Bible studies, the Door Holders are ever warm, cheerful, and caring.
Filled with God's love for these young people.
Happy to help.
Content in the joy that comes with serving others.
Even when the "other" is not a college student.
A Door Holder is inside the GWCC when she is approached by a woman whose name badge indicates she is a custodial supervisor. Her face is the epitome of bewilderment. Her arms are crossed tightly over her chest.
"What is happening here?" The woman, visibly trembling, asks the Door Holder.
Though puzzled at how a custodial supervisor could not know the name of the event taking place, she smiles and politely offers the obvious answer.
"This is Passion 2012."
"Yes, yes, I know," says the woman, patting her chest agitatedly. "What's happening here? In here? I've never felt this way before. So . . . so . . . full! What is it?"
The Door Holder knows precisely how to answer.
"God is in this place. That's what the fullness is you feel inside. It's the loving presence of the Lord Jesus."
"Oh! Oh! Then I must know about this Jesus. I must!
Right then. Right there. The Door Holder shares the good news of Jesus Christ.
Within minutes of hearing the Gospel, the custodial supervisor drops to her knees and welcomes Jesus into her heart . . .
This Door Holder lives up to her title.
She holds open the door which leads to the Lord.
~
How can you be a Door Holder in the life of someone today?
Will you pray with me?
Thank you, Father, for being with all of us at Passion 2012. Your splendor and glory of Your presence blessed us. We rejoice in the redemption of the woman who was lost before she found You. We pray to become Door Holders for all who are searching for You. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 119:1-24 or 12, 13, 14
Isaiah 41:1-6
Ephesians 2:1-10
Mark 1:29-45
This is so touching... coincidentally I too wrote a poem about a door being opened for me..you only have to ask.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Janu. Yes, this was a very touching moment. I would love to see the poem you wrote! And, yes, we only need to ask . . .
DeleteBlessings to you!
It reminds me of Pope John Paul II, when he said, “Do not be afraid. Open, I say open wide the doors for Christ.”
ReplyDeleteOh how beautiful when God finds different ways to open the doors for us... and allows us to find Him...seek Him... and throw ourselves to Him in open trust and love through the people we meet and the events such as Passion 2012.
I pray with you...let us be faithful Door Holders...
Hi, Melissa, thanks for dropping in today!
DeleteYes, it is so beautiful how God opens the doors for us in ways that touch us so deeply, so powerfully. May we, too, be faithful Door Holders as you said!
And, I love this quote from Pope John Paul II!
Blessings to you!
May we all take the opportunities when we come to share God's love. A great post. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Jessica!
ReplyDeleteSadly, we sometimes miss opportunities wide open for sharing the Gospel. Thankfully, this woman knew the right words to say to this seeker.
Glad you liked the post!
Blessings!
Hi, Punam, this is Martha. Jan linked your post to FB and I read it there. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you stopped by here. Hope to see you around in the future!
Blessings!