A Memorable Bus Ride in Reading, Pennsylvania

On a recent concert tour in Pennsylvania we were picked up at our hotel by a pastor driving a twelve-passenger mini-bus. His bright, cheery welcome was followed by a "by the way" that became one of the most moving detours we had experienced in a long time. This chauffeuring, fatherly friend and protector proceeded to make various stops around the "hood" to pick up concert-goers.

First, in full field garb, was an African-American seventh grade football player fresh from practice. We learned that he actually lived across the street from the church and was a self-appointed church spy. He could call the pastor at a moment's notice if anything seemed awry. He said he hangs around the church, always helping with whatever needs to be done.

The next stop was to pick up a newly married woman and her three teenage daughters. She had shared with the pastor that she was discouraged, and he insisted that the concert would be the best medicine. As she boarded the bus with her cane in hand she expressed her appreciation to the pastor for inviting her.

Filling in the last few seats was a woman whose husband was carrying her oxygen tank. She was still a little wobbly from her heart surgery but had been eager to get out of the house. Accompanying the couple was the woman's brother-a Downs Syndrome man in his fifties. This man, named Jimmy, greeted everyone on the bus with smiles and hugs.

As we returned these folks to their homes after the concert, we added a few more riders: a timid young girl who had to walk past drug dealers to reach her front porch, and an energetic and outgoing eighth grader who informed us with great pride that he would be baptized the next month. The pastor stopped to greet everyone on the street, whether or not they hopped on board. He made sure each person returned home in safety, all the while joking and laughing.

As I looked around the bus an emotional response swelled inside me, and tears choked my ability to speak. My inner voice was shouting, "This is it! This is the way it is supposed to be." All are welcome, and when all are welcome, it's a sign of the kingdom-the real kingdom.

As I looked around I realized we were part of the blind, the sick, the maimed, the oppressed, the wealthy, the workers, the teachers, the taunters, the scared, the silly, the loud, the lonely. We were all together on our way to a destination that would make this journey last a lifetime.

Beverly Vander Molen