In Romans 12:9-13 we read; “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.”
Dr. Kirby was my Christian Heritage professor, and he was a fascinating man. He never ceased to keep my attention, and that’s saying something, because my mind tends to wander during lectures! One of his stories involved him going to a monastery somewhere in Oklahoma to do some research in their library. Upon arrival at the monastery, he was greeted at the door by the monks with warm fresh baked bread, homemade jelly, and wine! Dr. Kirby said, “Now that’s hospitality!” I’m not trying to correct Dr. Kirby by any means, but I believe that was “Radical Hospitality!”
Welcome to Williams! That’s how our volunteers and staff greet our visitors to our Society of St. Stephen Food Pantry on Monday mornings! We provide them with a nice clean place to sit, a nice hot pot of coffee, and a variety of snacks that range all the way from donuts to cookies! Now that’s “Radical Hospitality!”
Welcome to Williams! We greet our youth with snacks, drinks, and meals on Wednesday and Sunday nights! We provide them with an awesome youth center, gym, and cafe area where they can enjoy food, fun, and fellowship. This last year, we had a profession of faith out of our youth group! On the Wednesday night that I talked with this youth about her desire to accept Jesus Christ has her Lord and Savior, be baptized, and join our church, she told me that this youth group had made her feel right at home! Now that’s “Radical Hospitality!”
Everything we say or do here says “Welcome to Williams,” and Hebrews 13:12 reminds us that we may never truly know who we are greeting; “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Love all, worship one, and practice “Radical Hospitality!”
In Christian love;
Tommy Earl Burton
