Bridges Global Movement - BGM

JESUS IS NOT ON THE CROSS

In John’s Gospel, chapters 14-16, Jesus prepares His disciples for the inevitable — His cruel death upon a despised wooden cross. In preparing them for this moment which will send them scurrying for cover, Jesus comforts them. He says,

(13) Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (14) You are my friends if you do what I command. (15) I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (16) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. (John 15:13-16 NIV)

Powerful words of comfort. Comforting words of power. We live in a day when words have precious little meaning. Anyone can speak flowery words of praise and encouragement, but few are willing to back them up with tangible means of support, love, and devotion. Jesus didn’t speak empty words — His life was the greatest evidence that when Jesus spoke He meant what He said.

Over and over again in Scripture we find Jesus being a friend to those who desperately needed someone to stand with them. Let me give you a little sample of what I mean.
Bartimaeus was a man not unlike many today who battle chronic illness and infirmities. He was tired of not being able to wake up and see the paintbrush of God scrolling a masterpiece across the eastern sky. He was tired of being able to hear his grandchildren playing in the front yard, but not being able to go out and play with them. He was tired of sitting along the roadside shrouded in darkness as others watched with wide-eyed amazement as the parade marched by. He was just plain old tired…and desperate.

Throughout Bartimaeus’ many years every kind of potion and traveling medicine man had made their way through Jericho peddling their wares to heal every infirmity known to man. Bartimaeus had become so desperate that he had tried them all, but none of them worked.Then one day Bartimaeus’ life took a turn for the better. He had heard about a Healer. This Healer didn?t have a slick presentation to offer, no Dr. Feel Good’s “Miracle Tonic,” no beautiful blond model to entice the desperate to deposit their funds in the good doctor’s dream. Jesus was a simple Man who took the time to talk with those others talked about. He made His way to those others made a way around. He stooped to serve those that life had broken down.

Jesus came to Bartimaeus’ town of Jericho. He was surrounded by a large crowd as He walked the streets like a rock star making his way through a crowd of adoring fans. Bartimaeus was simply a lonely beggar sitting alongside the road. As the crowd whooped and hollered, Bartimaeus was once again reminded of what he couldn’t see as the large crowd caused such a stir that Bartimaeus knew something was going on. Then Mark tells us, (47) When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47 NIV) The entourage didn’t take too kindly to a lowly beggar shouting at the main event. “Be quiet old man! Don’t you know who that is? Sit down and mind your own business — we’re only passing through!” Bartimaeus shouted even louder. Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” Someone went over to the old man and said, “Cheer up you old geezer. Get up on your feet. He is calling you.” Bartimaeus threw his cloak off of his lap, jumped to his feet, and made his way to Jesus. As Bartimaeus stood before Jesus the dawning of a brand new day was about to break forth. Jesus said, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Hope burst forth like flowers in the Spring as Bartimaeus said, “Rabbi, I want to see?” With those words visions of smiling children dashed about before his eyes, Fourth of July fireworks whizzed across the sky with every color of the rainbow bursting forth in full view, and friend’s faces which he had never seen before began to take shape.
Jesus opened eyes that had been darkened for far too long, and the light of God’s love shone forth for the world to see. After Jesus opened Bartimaeus’ eyes, Mark tells us that Bartimaeus “followed Jesus along the road.” I would follow a friend like that anywhere.
The crowd followed Jesus because of what they had heard, because they were “star struck,” but Bartimaeus followed Jesus because he had found a friend who had cared. Jesus was a friend to the friendless, but He was also a friend to those who seemingly had it all in the eyes of the world and yet were brought to the point of despair by the predicaments and pitfalls of life. Don’t take it from me — just ask Jairus.
Jairus wasn’t down and out. He was dignified. He was a community debutante. He was charming and debonair. He was the leader of the synagogue.
The synagogue in Jairus’ day was the center of religion, education, leadership, and community activities. Jairus was the senior pastor, most highly esteemed professor, mayor, and best known man in the town. He had it made. He didn’t want for anything. Jairus had the world on a platter and a silver spoon in his mouth. Or did he?

Evang. Joseph U. Christian, currently working with the Great Kubwa Diocese (Anglican Communion). He is at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Kaba, with his lovely wife Peace.

If there is a family that must not miss heaven, this family is one. Rev'd Akpan you are a good seed.

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The then WATS Springboard missionaries with Rev'd Akpan and Queen Amina Hasan

The men that God uses. Nicxon, Vijay, Arinze and Christian, in one of their missionary exposure in Ghana. It wasn't funny, but joyful to be sent and to be use by God.

That's just the truth. Which one are you?

Rev'd Ikenna Ezeoke from West African Theological Seminary, Lagos. Leaving Wechiau after his visit to Ghana to inspect the springboard missionaries that was sent to work with Harvest for Christ Church. That's the team we are building.

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One of the church building in Upper West Region in Ghana that collapsed after a heavy rain fall.

The church building in Dikkatamah before it was roofed.