Swap Meet Missionary

Growing up in the church, my view of missionary was somewhat limited. I am sure it was my own fault, but had you asked me years ago what is a missionary, I would have said, “Someone who is sent to another country to represent Christ.”  I use to pray, “Please, God, don’t send me to Africa to be a missionary.” 

However, as I grew up, I came to understand that every believer is called to be a missionary where ever they live and work.  So, this past Sunday, I was not surprised, but excited to see a missionary at a motorcycle swap meet. 

Now, first, you might ask what I was doing at a motorcycle swap meet.  It is true...I stood out like a sore thumb.  More than one person gave me the look, “What are you doing here?”  The Harley Davidson sweatshirt I had on didn’t help.  In fact, I am pretty sure I offended a few people with it.  Somehow they knew that I might wear the shirt, but I don’t ride the bike. 

But the reason I was there was because I was invited by Gator Hullinger.  Gator, a member of CFNaz, is an elder with Biker’s for Christ.  Since the swap meet was at Stark County fairground, he invited me to drop by after our worship service.  And that is how I got to see a missionary at a swap meet.

It was awesome!  I really got to see Gator in action. He was so in his element.  You could see the passion he had both for Christ and for reaching bikers.  Not long before I arrived, Gator and his crew led a man to Christ!  Praise God!!!!  While I was there I watched people receive Bible’s, be greeted with God’s love and strike up conversation with the Biker’s for Christ.  I was so proud to say, “He is one of ours!”  Gator was a living example of what we talked about on Sunday.  He is living “out” for Christ!  He is going out into the world sharing God’s love with Bikers. 

One the other elders pulled me aside and told me a story about Gator.  He said, “I wish you could have been here earlier.  One of the hardest bikers of the most evil gang of Canton walked up to Gator today and gave him a big hug.  He does not yet believe in Christ, but he respects and loves Gator.” 

I can still sense the Holy Spirit’s presence even as I recount this story of seeing a missionary at a swap meet.  May God use this story to encourage and challenge us all to keep moving out!