LET THE TAIL-ENDERS EAT THE  FOOD

by Ron Priggee, GRUSA Public Ministries

The Parable of the Burger Combo
It was their "lucky" day. A long line of hungry people waited outside a restaurant they usually couldn't afford.

Closest to the restaurant entrance was a slightly boisterous group, who looked like happy partygoers, except their clothes were a little shabby. They got to the front because they lived closer and had seen the signs or flyers announcing free dinners.

Those in front were mostly singles and they were always on the look out for good deals like this one. Those first in line already held big trays, big enough to hold a full meal. The line moved and began to pass the grill. Smiling helpers put a sizzling burger on each tray and let the hungry ones help themselves to the toppings. Then the line filed past more servers who gave them fries, a salad and a slice of apple pie for dessert.

The hungry ones were then directed to the far side of the room where there were milk shakes and soft drinks. They went to tables set with salt and pepper, salad dressings, napkins and utensils.

It was a huge room, but some of the first to sit down glanced back to see what was happening near the entrance. By now the first part of the line -- those happy and carefree ones -- had been replaced by a quieter group. They looked accustomed to long waiting in lines. Several had children beside them or in their arms.

The grill ran short of burgers. At least some folks got the buns and made cheese sandwiches...until the cheese ran out. Many small things, like mustard and ketchup, were gone by then, too.

Still the greeters and servers urged the line to move inside. At least there were drinks, a few crumbly pieces of pie and a place to sit...for a while anyway. Soon there was nothing left. All the seats at tables were filled and many took their trays and crowded into spots along the walls and counters. Even they were "luckier" than those just arriving.

More food-seekers, in much worse condition than the earlier ones, kept straggling up to the doors. They were from further away, they were old or weak or forgetful, and some even had a smell or a look that was a little odd.

These latecomers were the "TAIL-ENDERS", usually the last in lines and often forgotten. It was easy for the restaurant staff to turn them away. They were sorry, but felt justified since they did their best for the ones who they saw earlier in the day.

A few latecomers stayed around. They heard the restaurant might get more food delivered later. Experience had taught them to expect a long wait. If there is anything at all for them, TAIL-ENDERS portions are usually smaller.

The story above is fiction. It very likely may have happened, but it's here just as an illustration. It shows how Christians have shared the Bread of Life with those who need it. We seem to give our welcoming and nurturing mostly to those who are at the head of the queue. There is little left for those we don't see at first.

Picture the world's people groups as a line of hungry people. The food being spiritual resources and materials. No one can earn his own salvation or grab it growing somewhere. As Martin Luther said, "We are all beggars."

God uses us to speak, tell and spread His Word. It's our responsibility and privilege to serve up God's Word in this world. Here's what's being done....

* Today radio and TV signals reach the entire earth. It is only practical, however, to broadcast in those languages understood by, say, a million or more people. This leaves out thousands of groups which are smaller, not to mention those who can't afford a TV or radio anyway. 　

* Thousands of workers are giving their entire lives to translate Scriptures and teach new groups to read. This marvelous work must continue. But there are still thousands of tongues not written down -- and millions of people who will not or don't want to read in their first language.

* Missionaries and local church-planters are going to more places than ever before. Even they, however, are prevented from going to many strongholds of evil and false religions.

The groups not reached by the Godly strategies mentioned above are what we call "TAIL-ENDERS." They do not know of the blessings meant for them or of Him who died to give them eternal life.

Gospel Recordings and others have been given the vision to reach the TAIL-ENDERS. Rather than over-lapping the plans of other ministries, we try to find those people and groups who seem to be coming last to the table.

We realize that even the one who comes at the tail-end of the line will still have a full banquet prepared in heaven.

by Ron Priggee, HR & Info Coordinator, GR USA