Yesterday I had the privilege of taking part in the 90th
anniversary celebration of the church where I grew up. While we were there, we
got to speak with one of the first people that I have any memory of knowing.
Irma and Gene Bumgardner were friends of my parents and active members of First
Christian Church in Springfield Ohio, where I was born and raised.
After High School I went off to Bible college, got married,
then I got drafted and went to Viet Nam. After Nam we lived a few different
places and went to several different expressions of the Body of Christ
(churches). We picked up different ideas and beliefs about church and how God
works. Many changes took place in our lives and thinking. The more things
changed in us, the harder it became to find a church where we could be in
agreement with what went on. This is very frustrating! It is a threat to my
mental health.
Some weeks ago, my wife and I committed to being a part of
the church family at First Christian Church. This was not a light decision.
There are things there that we strongly believe should be different. However,
we prayed and believed God told us that we should be a part of First Christian,
we prayed some more and God didn’t change what he said.
Yesterday at church, after the preaching time we met Irma on
our way out of the auditorium. She told my wife something that I had never
thought of, and it really rocked me. Irma said, “Eighty years ago, when I
joined this church, I decided that no matter how things might change, this is
my church and I am not going anywhere else.” That might not be an exact quote
but that is what she said.
Over the years First Christian Church has gone through many
changes. Changes usually are accompanied by conflict and some people leave in
anger. Irma and Gene along with some others stayed and supported the church by
their faithfulness.
Today the impact of this little woman with her giant heart is
a colossal testimony for me. For many years I have gone from church to church
searching for the one that would do it better; do it more like I thought it
should be done. I was frustrated, confused and unhappy.
If you are someone who has gone from church to church to
find the right church. Take a few moments to think about the testimony of Irma.
She is also one of the happiest people I know.
