They wouldn’t let John Wesley into the United States!  The U.S. Customs officials blocked his admission.  As the story is told by John Ed Mathison, former Senior Pastor of Frazier Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, custom officials accused Brian Thornton, top executive of the Methodist Publishing House in Great Britain, of trying to smuggle Wesley into this country without paying the import duty.

Let me explain.  Thornton was bringing a maquette (a plaster model) of a proposed bronze statue of John Wesley to be placed in West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buchanon, West Virginia. The problem arose when customs officials wanted to place a value on the casting.  Thornton tried to explain to them that the 2 feet 7 inches maquette was just a model for the proposed life-size (5 feet, 2 inches) bronze sculpture.  As such, the model was worthless.

            It took an executive of the college, in conversation with customs officials, to finally settle the matter.  When all was said and done, however, customs officials apologized to Brian Thornton for not understanding the situation.  U.S. Customs then declared Wesley worthless and allowed him to pass through without charge. 

            How valuable is John Wesley today?  In our changing religious climate, some people may argue that as a figure, he might have little to offer.  He will have tremendous value, however, if his steadfast commitment to Christ serves as a model for today’s Christians.  As Thomas Coke, ordained as Superintendent for the work in America, was leaving England, John Wesley gave him one command – “Offer them Christ.”  Wesley’s charge to the preachers coming to America was simple:  “To spread scriptural holiness throughout the land.”  John Wesley urged his people to be so disciplined in their own private lives, their spiritual development, and their Christian witness that they were thought of as being methodical – or Methodists.

            You see, Wesley’s model is our model as well:  To offer all who come our way the good news of Jesus Christ.  Wesley’s dream was to transform the world.  This is the task of Methodism today, and it is our task as the Body of Christ known as Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church.

            Carolyn and I cherish the privilege of  being appointed to serve with you for another conference year and look forward to seeing you at the “Wesley” place this Sunday.

                                                                                 Pastor Bob

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