Dorothy Brush "Random Thoughts" Published June 5, 2002

"God is everywhere, Part II"

God is everywhere! Last week's column told of ministries at truck stops and on inland waterway boats. Over the past year I have collected stories of those doing God's work in unusual and unique places.

In Springfield, MA a former biker who gave up riding when he became a man of the cloth has held a blessing ceremony for bikers in the church parking lot for the past four years. Known as the biker priest, Father Paul Laflamme blesses the motorcycles and their owners. The annual event is appreciated as shown by the numbers of motorcycles that fill the lot. The priest has been reassigned to Pittsfield and he plans to continue the annual blessing of the hogs there.

Shopping malls have been described as temples of consumerism but many also have a spiritual presence. Although there are no actual statistics, a trade group, International Council of Shopping Centers, estimates that 100 of the 1,280 largest malls in the United States have a Christian bookstore, a chapel or an outreach center.

Knowing that not all people are in the mall to shop, mall ministries fill a need for those who just don't want to be at home and are seeking some kind of escapism. A large mall in Burlington, NJ attracts many people to their "prayer zone." In a small office, softly lighted, there is a kneeler, electric candles and worship music. In Bloomfield, MN at the Mall of America, the interfaith Mall Area Religious Council set up a booth to spread the message of tolerance after 9-11.

In Muskegon, MI, the churches came together to equip a vacant building with washing machines and dryers as well as showers. They named it Sacred Suds Inc. and they serve those on the edge of homelessness. This outreach ministry offers clean bodies, clothes and uplifting words.

In my file of "God is Everywhere" articles one of the most unique is the circus mission. For some whose life's work is spreading God's message the circus offers an unusual opportunity. Its family of entertainers and workers are always on the move and cannot worship regularly in church but they have the same spiritual needs.

Two Catholic nuns joined the Circus Chimera, a traveling one-ring show which is on the road 10 months out of the year. Most of the 100 circus employees come from all over the world and most are learning English as a second language. Sister Dorothy Fabritze and Sister Bernard Overkamp are both in their 50s and they are following a tradition which began about 20 years ago when nuns began living and working with circuses. They live in a tiny trailer and minister wherever they see the need. During performances they help with costumes and on the midway. The vice president of the circus said, "We are delighted to have these two ladies here. Their presence makes a difference for all our employees."

All these ministries fill a need, but there are many others carried out by individuals that few ever hear about. Several years ago a friend told me about her first visit to a Crossville physician. After the examination she went into his office for him to explain his findings. As she stood to leave he handed her a paperback copy of The New Testament.

I already knew this story because I too had the same experience on my first visit to this doctor. There was no preaching but the wordless gesture was one that said more than words. It was a reassuring gift from a man of faith as well as a doctor of medicine. One more reminder that God is everywhere.

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Dorothy Copus Brush is a Fairfield Glade resident and Crossville Chronicle staffwriter whose column is published each Wednesday.