by Pastor Todd Witmer
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12:1, 2)
The list of ways the COVID pandemic has impacted our lives in 2020 is longer than most of us want to consider. One unexpected benefit, however, has been the development of new, creative ways to share the events of CABC. A recent project is producing a virtual “Getting to Know CABC” class. We started with interviews of people who were involved at the beginning. Thus far we have videos of conversations with Lucille Kennedy and Pastor Bob and Janet Coddington, who participated in the initial home Bible study group. Pastors Ralph Eib, David Dunn, and Bob Coddington were recorded on a Zoom gathering as well. All of these interactions are being edited and we are working to make them available for everyone.
Through the process of this project, I have been able to view the video from Mrs. Kennedy and the above scripture passage came to mind. The writer of Hebrews 12 is referring to the great cloud of Old Testament characters just described in chapter 11. I am reminded that each of us, as followers of Christ, will see additional faces in that group. We stand on the shoulders of faithful servants who preceded us. Many of us had praying parents and grandparents. People we may never know committed time, money, and rooms in their homes to bring the message of Jesus to their neighbors. The ministry of CABC was born out of just such a group. Who are the faces you see in that great cloud? Have you thanked God for their presence in your life and the role they played in pointing you to Him? In this Lenten season is there someone you want to thank?
At the end of the conversation with Mrs. Kennedy, I asked her to share any advice for those attending CABC today from those beginning years. Her words, “Keep your mind on the purpose,” echo with the words from Hebrews 12 above, “fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Regardless of the circumstances that challenge our plans (and there were many described by those early CABC pioneers), a clear purpose will keep us moving in His direction. As Mrs. Kennedy shared, “We were there to bring people to Jesus.”
We continue that mission today.