Until... The Announcement
We had it all set up. The pop-up tent was in place and the tables were set in order with cups, napkins, and straws. The signs were hung, the extension cord was plugged in, and the coolers were full of ice. The machine was tested and working and the first sample was made. Most importantly, the sky was clear and the sun was hot as the 78th annual Hulett rodeo had just begun. It was a perfect day to give out free Sno-Kones to the kids. But nobody came! We were just standing there at our posts, waiting for all those kids to come get their cold and sweet treat until…the announcement.
It was a neat thing to witness. As soon as the announcement for free Sno-Kones was given over the PA, the kids started coming in groups and the Sno-Kone machine was put to work. We came to bless the kids at the rodeo and that we were able to do, but not until…the announcement.
Sno-Kones are nice, especially on a hot day at a fun event like a rodeo. But there is something worth so much more that we want to give to the children and adults in our community. We want to give them the gospel of Jesus Christ. Like Sno-Kones, the gospel is free. And, like Sno-Kones, the people in our community will not come and get the gospel until…the announcement.
Yes, we should go to church. Yes, we should be good people, living our lives as though we are “the only Bible the world will ever see.” We must do these things and more, but no matter how much we do, we will only be standing at our posts, waiting to give out the gospel until…the announcement.
We sent our daughter to the announcer with that first sample Sno-Kone so that he would make that all-important announcement at the rodeo. Who will our church send to announce the gospel in our community, in our country, and in our world?
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:14-15