Grace Community Christian Church

 

Archived Things Above

Medieval Evangelists (2/24/98)

"Now, Lord, . . . enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." (Acts 4:30)

A friend and I were in a Circuit City recently, waiting to talk to a particular sales associate about a video splitter doohickey.

"Wulf will be right with you," his colleague informed us. Wulf was aptly named. There, helping another customer at the end of the aisle, was this burly, long maned, pony-tailed, big bearded fellow in a suit and tie, with a most gentle set of eyes.

"Is his name really Wulf, or is that a nickname?" Simple question; long answer!

Turns out Wulf's real name is Charles, and that Chris, the one talking to us, is really Geoffrey, (that is, on the battlefield). You see, both are passionate members of the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA), an organization that reenacts medieval battles in full period costume. Local groups are called shires, similar to the Gideons' camps.

The fact that neither of us had ever heard of it only made them more determined that we not leave their presence ignorant of the fulfillment that awaited us if we would but give the SCA a whirl. We were assured that we would be taught how to dress, fight, fall, and die. And we could spend as little or as much money as we wanted.

"Why don't you try out for it? You'd love it!"

"Just come and watch us!"

"Come to a practice with me! Here's my card!"

"Check us out on the web!"

Their store sold electronics, but these guys were selling romantic fantasy and adventure, and nothing could eclipse their enthusiasm!

We were four soldiers, we were. Two enlisted in an army that maybe once was, and for sure, will never again be; two in the service of a kingdom that most certainly is, and will always be.

And yet, only two told. Oh, to be sure, by listening, we earned the right to be heard, perhaps at some future opportunity. But I couldn't help thinking, "There go two fired up evangelists!" They were bold. Excited. Passionate. Fearless. Natural. Expectant. We didn't take them up on their offer, but I bet quite a few others have. Or will.

If the kingdom of this world is ever to become the kingdom of Christ, the Knights of Glory will just have to shine at least as brightly as the knights of darkness.

By the way, the splitter works great. Connected to a computer in the church office, it has notably enhanced communication within our church. Now, if we would just do the same with those outside . . .


Jim Dewar --