Different Abilities, Different Gifts by PJ Thacker

posted in: Devotional, Spoke Folk | 2

One of the greatest blessings from ministries like Spoke Folk is coming to see that it is possible for people with different abilities and different gifts and who may be on different places along the road of faith to truly be one in Jesus Christ. Introverts welcome. Extroverts welcome. It does not matter how good you are at riding a bike. It does not matter whether you are a great singer or fantastic musician. All that matters is your love for Jesus and your willingness to open your heart to the work of the Holy Spirit. This is why the Spoke Folk experience has such a profound effect on those who participate. It is all the result of God working in the hearts of each tour.

I have long loved the Scripture passage in Gal 3:26-28 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” What that being one in Christ means is that there is room for everyone in the presence of the Lord Jesus. If you need a group of people to truly listen to what is on your heart Spoke Folk is for you. If your heart is overflowing with the love of Christ which must be shared then Spoke Folk is for you. If you have some deep spiritual questions and struggle with doubt sometimes then Spoke Folk is for you. If you are a new Christian Spoke Folk is for you. If you are young Spoke Folk is for you. Sometimes, if you are as old as the hills Spoke Folk is for you.

I remember my first tour in MD 2003. I overheard some comments from participants about “what is that old guy doing here”. It didn’t really bother me because I knew why I was there and because I knew that God had put me there. And by the end of tour something of a blessing happened and it has been repeated on every tour since. On many of the affirmation sheets was a variation of this comment: “Pj, I am so thankful you were on this tour. You are like the grandfather I wish I had.” I would be so proud to have any of you as grandchildren.

Spoke Folk is one the best ways I know to experience what being one in Christ is all about.

2 Responses

  1. Kristin (k-wall) Suchoski

    You’re the absolute best, PJ. Your prescence on any tour is a blessing, and everyone that gets to tour with you instantly falls in love with your ability to make them laugh and feel loved. I am grateful you’re in my life. Love you!

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