June 24, 2002
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES:
A lesson learned at the airport
___By Rusty Waller
___I arrived at Love Field early one morning. My flight was scheduled to leave at 8 for San Antonio, and I was looking forward to my visit at the Hispanic Baptist Theological School. As always, the airport was crowded. I had just taken a seat among the throng congregated around Gate 1, when I noticed them, a mother and her teenage son, both of Hispanic descent. They were talking and laughing together as they awaited the arrival of our flight.
___After a number of years in public education and even more years of service in a wonderful publicly supported community college, I have gained some insight concerning young people. This young man completely held me captive. His bearing and dignity were so evident in the love and respect he extended to his mother. I watched him and thought of how he reminded me of my own sons. The thought occurred to me that I should meet this young man.
___Ever the college administrator, I calculated his age and his future educational intent. I considered walking over and asking him. How easy it would be to give him my card and assist this extraordinary young man in gaining admission into the opportunities afforded through higher education. Perhaps then I might have opportunity to talk of even greater things.
___The moment passed. We were called to board and depart. I thought that I might talk to him on the plane, but he stepped on after me. I had moved to the back of the plane, and he sat several rows up and out of reach. I waited and planned to approach him while retrieving my luggage. When that time came, he was not there. This young man had vanished from mylife without a second chance to meet him. Opportunity to touch the life of another faded away as quickly as it had come. My heart was deeply moved.
When opportunity vanishes it is often lost forever.
___ The visit to Hispanic Baptist Theological School was wonderful. The Lord's servants at this great institution greeted me with open arms. We set about our work; however, the vision of this young man weighed heavily upon my mind. I talked to faculty, administrators, staff, and students and in my heart pondered what might have been.
___The next morning's breakfast was shared with three wonderful men with a great devotion for the Hispanic population. ### Walls and George Rodela shared their vision of service and inquired about the possibility of assistance from HBTS. Brother Chew listened to them and discussed means of aiding them in their endeavors.
___Once back on campus Brother Rodela told me of his burden to provide Spanish Bibles to Hispanic children upon his many fields of labor. Again, I recalled the delightful young man who had laughed with his mother. I again admired his character and lovely spirit. My heart grieved over that lost opportunity as Brother Rodela's zeal flowed out from his gentle heart. In that magnificent Hispanic institution I was mentally transported to a gathering where a multitude of Hispanic children quickly overwhelmed the limited supply of illustrated children's Bibles. Many had stood in line and departed empty handed. What opportunity had passed and was now lost forever?
___ Moments fade away and opportunity vanishes. How easy it would be to despair were it not for the compassion of our wonderful God and the certainty of His plans. I had to commit that special young man in the airport to the Father's care and ask Him to accomplish that at which I had failed. This story is simply recounted because God's people are also worthy of our faith. The great need and opportunity to minister to our rapidly growing Hispanic population will surely burden the hearts of those who love the Lord. Perhaps someone will call the Hispanic Baptist Theological School and invite Dr. Reyes to share this wonderful work with those who are seeking an opportunity to serve God in a very special capacity. Perhaps others will encourage their churches to make HBTS a regular part of their mission support. And perhaps others will send money to Brother Rodela to provide Spanish bibles for distribution to the Hispanic population to which he ministers. God's people have always proven their compassion, generosity, and devotion. Doubtlessly they will rise to the occasion.
___As for me, I intend to do all these things. I only pray that I will always have a vision of that wonderful young man of Hispanic descent whose life could have been so easily touched and influenced for the cause of Christ. May I never forget that when opportunity vanishes it is often lost forever. May I also always remember that I am the extension of the person of my Savior. Service done to least of these is an act of love for Him.
___ Rusty Waller is pastor of First Baptist Church of Gordonville and dean of institutional research and effectiveness at North Central Texas College
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