This past March, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission announced
the 20 people who were receiving their Carnegie Hero Fund Award (http://www.carnegiehero.org/). This award is given every year to
“individuals in the United States and Canada who risk their lives to an
extraordinary degree saving or attempting to save the lives of others.” In looking through the list I was struck by
how often ordinary people, when thrust into special circumstance, are able to
do extraordinary things. Take, for
example, one of the award recipients, Madison L. Williams from Dublin, OH. Here is the description of her service from
the press release:
Madison L. Williams saved a boy
from drowning, Dublin, Ohio, August 27, 2016.
A 2-year-old boy fell through the small, ground-level hatch of an
underground septic tank on a residential property and submerged in sewage about
4 feet deep. Neighbors who responded to
the scene could not reach him in the 8-foot-deep tank. Alerted to the situation by her mother,
Madison, 13, student, lay on her stomach and, positioning her arms over her
head, entered the 12-inch-wide opening to her thighs while others secured her
by the legs. She skimmed the surface of
the sewage with her hands searching for the boy for several moments before she
saw his foot. Madison grasped the boy’s
foot and shouted at the others to be pulled out. As she and the boy were being lifted from the
tank, the boy’s free foot became stuck under the inside lip of the hatch. On Madison’s instruction, she was lowered
somewhat and was able to reposition the boy.
Those on the ground then pulled her and the boy completely free of the
opening. The boy was not breathing but
was then revived, and he fully recovered after hospital treatment. Madison required medical treatment for damage
to her left wrist that required a brace for two months and physical
therapy. She too fully recovered. (http://www.carnegiehero.org/madison-l-williams/)
There are times in life when we find ourselves thrust into
special circumstances, and we end up doing things we never would have imagined. Who wants to be lowered into a septic tank
through a 12 inch hole while being held by the legs? But when a child was in danger, Madison gave
herself in this service.
This is reminiscent of the situation faced by the followers
of Jesus. After Jesus was crucified,
buried, and rose from the grave, the 12 Apostles were suddenly thrust into a
difficult situation. Before this, the
Gospels often portray them as being a bit dense, often misunderstanding Jesus, and
coming across as being very ordinary. When
Jesus was crucified, they all let him down.
But after the Resurrection they stepped up their game, rising to the occasion. In the shadow of the risen Christ they grew
into extraordinary leaders.
Maple Avenue has a history of being served by individuals
who are willing to step forward when needed, and offer themselves for
others. We have sent many people
overseas to serve in World War 1, and World War 2, and every conflict
since. And we are proud and grateful to
the people who helm various committees and ministries, and who give
sacrificially.
Many have already served above and beyond, and a sincere
“thank you” to all these people. But
what about you? I invite you to
prayerfully consider the needs of the present, and how God is calling you to
live your faith. And to inspire your
thoughts, I’d like to mention a few areas where we could use additional help. You might be just the person God is lifting
up for the challenge!
Our rummage sale is coming up, and we have had a record
number of donations this year. Our
Fellowship Center is stuffed with items which will go on sale May 5 &
6. We could use some extra help
organizing and pricing items, and then cleaning up. Would you like to be involved in this? Talk to me.
We could use some additional ushers and greeters to welcome
visitors and guests as they arrive on Sunday morning. We’ve had many new people check out or church
in recent weeks, and we want everyone who walks through our door to be well
cared for. Are you friendly and
personable? Talk to me.
In addition, we have our usual events just around the
corner: Our summer Musical, our Block
Party, our Worship Service at Collett Park.
The people who help with these things are very committed, but could it
be that God is calling you to lend a hand?
If so, talk to me.
Is there a ministry, or a need, that God has placed on your
heart? Somewhere you feel called to give
time and energy? Is there a service or a
talent you have to share? Talk to me.
Easter is over, but the story isn’t. It continues now in you and me. Christ has risen, and by his power we are
rising to the occasion.
In God’s Peace;
David
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