Few people will ever experience or truly understand the power of the firehouse table. At the table, firefighters share a meal, solve world problems through conversation and bright flashes of genius that never leave the table, and connections are made that bond like glue throughout the crew.
Last week, I had the opportunity to sit at the table. Early in the morning, before leaving my shift, I was able to gift a rubber figuring “a little Jesus” to the ambulance crew. When I arrived at the firehouse at the beginning of my night shift, I was promptly regifted? ungifted? a little Jesus. While everyone should drive with Jesus in their heart, this figurine wore out its welcome in the cab of the ambulance. I informed the tired, hungry crew that I don’t think Jesus has a return policy. The assured me that the little rubber likeness was being returned. To drive home the point, I mentioned that Jesus Christ’s salvation is a free gift with no returns. When the EMT turned around and said, “I know,” the night got more interesting.
What began as an introduction and a conversation about work shifted to a conversation about Jesus, the Bible, a prayer request, and a discussion of post-seminary aspirations. Then the most amazing question was asked, “What do you need?”
The firehouse table is a force of nature that should not be tampered with. From this table, doors open, resources are shared, and apparently growth in ministry is accomplished. “He prepares a table before me. My cup overflows” (Psalm 23).
Christopher Turnbull 