The first chapter of Acts records the following conversation between Jesus and his disciples:
“Then they gathered around him and asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” (Acts 1:6-9 NIV)
I’ve always looked at the areas mentioned by Jesus as representing more than just physical locations; I believe they represent “types” of people as well. Jerusalem signifies those who are close to us and are culturally like us; Judea embodies those who are not quite as close and are somewhat, but not fully like us; and “the ends of the earth” signifies are those who are physically and culturally far removed from us. Yet, Samaria is interesting. I believe it represents something quite unique. It symbolizes those who are geographically close, but culturally far from us. In other words, where “the-ends-of-the-earth” represents those who are far removed, “Samaria” represents those who are VERY removed.
You see, Samaria was physically close to Jerusalem, and Samaritans were very familiar with Jewish culture and religion. However, they felt rejected and hated by the Jews, and therefore, started a religion of their own. They were viewed as an “unclean” people, and Jews would not associate with them, or even pass through their city. Even if it took them an extra day or two, Jews would walk around Samaria to get where they were going. That is why it was so shocking to the Samaritan woman at the well when Jesus stopped there and asked for a drink of water. (John 4:9) Today, I see many who are close to the church physically, but are very different culturally. They are rejected by the church for being “morally unclean” and for having customs that are religiously unacceptable. These people, I believe, characterize Samaria.
Years ago, the Lord placed on my heart a desire to go to Samaria with the good news of Jesus’ love. How to fulfill that desire was a dilemma, until I realized that I just needed to do what Jesus did. Instead of always walking around Samaria, I needed to go through it, stop there, and ask for a drink. Jesus shared his “living water” only after he showed his acceptance of the Samaritan woman and his desire to receive from her something good she had to offer. That is what I, and several others, are doing; we are going to a place occupied by those who are not typical “church” people and staying for a while. We recognize their value, and acknowledge the fact that they have something good to offer us. It is in this context that we are able to share the love of Jesus.
The place of our choosing is called The Neutral Ground, and it is the oldest coffeehouse in New Orleans. It hosts an “Open Mic Night” every Sunday for local musicians, and has become a third-place type gathering for many. What we do is show up at 7:00 PM (Open Mic sign-up time) and have a short Bible study followed by prayer. Several who attend the Bible study also perform. We then just hang out, get to know the regulars, and meet many who are just passing through.
One of my personal “missions” is to ask each performing musician what his or her ambition is regarding the future. Some aspire to play music as a full time career; others have personal desires that have nothing to do with music. Whatever the case, I write down what they say and let them know that I’ll be praying for God to open doors that will allow their wishes to come about. This approach is met with different responses, but it allows me to get out of the way and let God to do what he does best. While many consider it weird, I have seen some pretty cool results.
What we do is not a ministry or an outreach. It is an incarnational type of gathering. It is not a “reaching out” to, but rather an embracing of those who attend the Neutral Ground. We become a part of the community, and we bring Jesus with us.
If you have a personal “mission” similar to mine, let me share my desire for the future so that you can pray for it to happen. I desire to see “third-place” Jesus centered gatherings all throughout the city. I am willing to, and would enjoy helping them get started. It is my desire to reach Samaria with the Gospel. So, please pray for me and those who are already involved. Pray that all the elements necessary to move forward will be provided. Also, please ask God if he would want you to become a part of his specific mission to those who will never enter the doors of a traditional church. Ask God if you should start walking through, instead of around Samaria.
