I've Been Patronized!!

I have always commented that I simply want someone to patronize my life; to simply pay for my existance that I may be free to pursue whatever creative endeavor that blew through my spirit. I would complete all of the art I ever wanted to do through my blue period, yellow period, and a minor venture into magenta. I would be free to join Circ Du Soleil, write a symphony, or the great Canadian novel (why not). I didn't figure that was too much to ask.

Well this last week was a taste of just that, though I didn't actually do any art. The retired proffessor who took me in was entirely too kind (if that's possible.) His hospitality was above and beyond anything I expected almost to the point of decadence. For an entire week I was spoiled with great meals, great conversation, a couple nights at the movies, and a trip to Washington D.C. where we toured the National Gallery and I took in Degas, Monet, Manet, and a host of modern favorites. I sat for twenty minutes in front of an image that I never thought I'd see in person. A painting by my hero, Mr. Mark Rothko. Check out the image for yourself, but keep in mind that it is 9-10 feet tall!

http://www.hohpe.com/Gregor/Travel/2002/DC/rothko.jpg

I am still here in Gettysburg though no longer staying with the proffessor. Last Wednesday I stopped by a place called Emmaus to take in a concert that I'd heard about. It is a great venue located downtown in the former Elks building, complete with a full kitchen, coffee bar facilities, and of course a two lane bowling alley in the basement. But through the course of the evening, I found that it was much more.

One floor above the concert venue in this grand old building were several apartments occupied by Christians who ran the shows as well as a thrift store on the third floor. These Christians call themselves an "intentional community." They desire to know and experience what it truly means to be a community and to be a positive part of the greater community around them.

Naturally I was intrigued and after a couple conversations, I was invited to stay with them for a time. So I packed my things yesterday and moved in (temporarily.) But before that, there was Sunday; and what an interesting experience that was.

I went to three different services in the course of this Sunday. But the second one was certainly a thing to remember.

I had met some young guys who attend a small church that they are very involved in and being that I've missed about 6 Sunday services on this trip, I was ready to catch up. The service that afternoon was not that exceptional or remarkable except to find out that this small church very strongly believes in a predestination of God's elect. What this means is that God has already chosen those who will see Heaven and those condemned to Hell, thus (they believe) Christ did not die for the sins of all mankind. but only of those whom God had already chosen. And this is very far from the truth.

The exceptional thing was how it came to be that everyone there treated me cautiously as if I were insane. And if I were in there shoes, I might have done the same.

Part way through the service, God decided to use my mouth for His purpose. I don't know how to describe the experience entirely except to say that I could feel the words rising within me. As they did, I tried as best I could to ignore them and especially ignore what I knew God was asking me to do with them. But the more I pressed them away, the more God intended to make it clear. My body began to shake outside of my control, and my heart began to pound at incredible rates increasing to a point that I nearly felt that I would go into cardiac arrest or lose the ability to breathe if I did not speak out. I can finally understand what the prophet meant when he said the words are burning within him. God was not going to let me out of this one. So just as they were beginning a communion service, I shouted the words God had burned in my heart;

"Why have you forgotten my spirit? Your hearts are full of pride! Your hearts are full of pride!"

Immediately, a man grabbed my shoulders and silenced me. And as I stayed there on my knees still shaking and very much in the presence of the Holy Spirit, the man sat next to me, one hand pressed on my shoulder to quell any other potential outbursts.

I have never spoken prophetically before and to be honest, I am still a little shaken from the whole experience. On one hand I am so excited that God would use me in that way, and in incredible awe at the whole experience. On the other hand, I would have wished for kinder words to speak.

I really like to have people like me, and this proclamation warred with my flesh on that very battleground. But I have been truly desiring a heart that seeks God's glory before my own and if there was any glory to be had in that moment, it was certainly not mine.

Later, I was given a stern talking to as I was told of my pride that required repentance. I was told strongly that the Gospel I believed was false, as was my Jesus, and the words that I spoke. Altogether, I didn't make any friends.

But let it be known, that Jesus, my savior, died for all men, that all may come to know Him, and that all who believe will find salvation!!!


I am staying in Gettysburg for a while, despite the awquard prospect of meeting my new non-friends around town. I am very glad to have stumbled into this community, and I want to be able to experience all that they are about.

Please feel free to e-mail me as I will have a consistent internet connection for the time that I am here, and I would LOVE to hear from you all.

And that is all for tonight.

Much Love!

Christopher Andrew.