Fellowship at the Bull Pen

Down Arizona way, near a place called Camp Verde, for several winters I hauled a load of log furniture to sell at Old Grumpy Dave's Auction. He rented the entire fairgrounds to sell western memorabilia and even mules and horses. It was a great place, I miss it.

Anyway, while wait'n fer this here event to take place I was look'n for some midweek fellowship. Having overcome my denominational idolatry, the Spirit led me to a little ad in a local advertise. It sez something like "join us for fellowship at the Bull Pen." I called the number and got directions.

As I drove to this here out-of-the-way place with the evening shadows falling, I kept think'n "The Bull Pen", with the Lord's lead'n it must be a great place.

Finally there it was, some old corrals and an adobe building. Some folks were entering through big plank doors. A few town people with kids, old bow-legged cowboys and an old women chatt'n with everyone that entered.

Once inside over to the left was the continual elevated benches like an ordinary auction ring and in front they'd taken out the plank holding arena where the bulls entered. This was the place brush-pop'n cowboys came in late winter to sell bulls or buy some to turn out in that rugged country. The ol' boy revamped the place to do the Lord's work. He decided it was much better to store up treasures in heaven.

I don't remember what they had for music, some guitars maybe and we made a joyful noise to the Lord.

Up front the old lady's daughter led in a study. Then her mother, God bless her, hobbled up there and spoke her piece. She sez, "Brethren, you all know my dedicated husband led this fellowship till he passed away. While my daughter and I have tried to keep this in his memory and the Lord's work, the Bible is quite clear men should lead this fellowship. Would you men please pray that one of you take over and carry on the Lord's work. I will continue to teach the Ladies Bible study and my daughter loves to teach the children."

As she pleaded I felt bad for her. There was 20 or so men seated. Surely one of them was capable and could hear the call.

It's sad but too many people play church and just warm the pews. We all have our God given gifts and need to use them like it sezs in 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:11-12.

I prayed someone would step forward and heed the call.