Author Archives: christurnbull85

Panera: “Man shall not live on bread alone”

It’s time for another post about Panera Bread since I have begun my direct seminary studies. I found it interesting during my bachelor’s degree the number of people who meet at Panera for religious purposes. It was amazing to see the quality and quantity of Bible study groups.

Now that I am spending more time here, instead of at home in my office with the dogs, I am seeing even more of God’s work around the restaurant. How so?

On May 1, I was delivering a sermon at church to be recorded and submitted as the capstone assignment for my bachelor’s degree. I stopped by Panera briefly to get coffee to go on the way to church. John, who I met on a Thursday after his men’s Bible study group stopped me to say hi. I told him where I was running off to. Wouldn’t you know it, he showed up for the sermon. Since that time, I am poured into by John regularly as he updates me where his faith has been taking him so God can speak to him. I am so often encouraged by John by his texts. It was just a chance meeting at Panera one day, or so I thought.

Last week, I was preparing to write a significant piece of my research paper, and a couple sat down in the booth across from mine. She ran away from him to go join a group of knitting mom-moms to learn how to crochet. about an hour later, she returned to her abandoned husband. Somehow we got to talking then, and faith came up. She came to Panera last June and had a conversation with a man about some rabbits that were playing outside across the parking lot. That conversation led to a few more. They were married in March of this year. He runs a motorcycle ministry, and neither one is shy about being bold in their faith. God keeps putting people in front of me to connect with at Panera, but not just there.

I was at my county work physical last week, and the time came to talk to the doctor. When I told him that I had been at a music festival, he began his line of questioning about my marijuana use. He was shocked that I wouldn’t cave until I told him it was a Christian music festival (uprisefest.com). He said to lead off with that. It turns out he runs a ministry for the homeless called Under the Bridge, cooking out with homeless populations to ensure they’re fed–not just food, but the Gospel as well. He was so excited to have this conversation with me that we ran well over our time, so he asked my to stop by his truck for his card before I left. I look forward to seeing what kind of collaborations God passes our way.

Then can we just take a second to appreciate the Panera staff for a minute? There isn’t a manager at either of the Paneras that I frequent who don’t know me on first name basis. The staff who have been present for any period of time have gotten to me by my coffee order. My home location has two staff with Down’s Syndrome. I heard that the staff of the store go with them to walk in the Buddy Walk each year. This year, my family is joining them. In addition to the hard work and dedication they bring to the restaurant, they inadvertently pour into me as well. Whether it’s a smile and a wave or an out and out compliment, they have this natural ability to just lift my spirits regardless what else is going on that day.

One of the staff has sat through their lunch break with me and has been asking spiritual questions. I’m happy to be a guide in whatever capacity I can be.

The Panera by my work has gotten to know me as I am very frequently in there filling my cup. While I cast my vote for the one’s toddler to with the “cutest toddler” competition, I also share my faith and try to always show up smiling and encouraging them for the rest of their shift. I was once asked how I work as a paramedic but always come into the store in such a great, bubbly mood. I pointed to the cross that I wear on my vest and said, “Him.”

Jesus spoke a parable once in Matthew 13:1-9. The seed being sowed by the sower falls on different kinds of surfaces. Some is choked out by thorns, some doesn’t set roots and gets scorched or eaten, some lands on fertile soil and produces a large crop. Sharing faith with people is not a dangerous activity. Failing to share your faith and bring people to Christ is more dangerous. We have the ability to pull people out of the clutches of Hell, regardless what demons have their grasp. It’s not our job to cast out the demons, God will take care of that. It is our job to show the way to salvation, through the Gospel, Jesus himself.

God puts people in our lives and removes them with His purpose. Keep your eyes open. You never know whose life you might change, or who will change your life.

Stay blessed, my friends.

“How will I know if I can talk Jesus with somebody?”

Recently, in a small group, this question was asked. To put it in context, a person who had not been a regular church-goer is beginning to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in her life and wants to learn more and talk to other believers and get plugged in.

My response to this question was much the same as the answer I give when somebody asks me how I know I will be permitted by a patient to pray with them. There are clues everywhere; we simply need to look for them.

The Bible states: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35, NIV).

I have tried to really pinpoint how my ability to speak Jesus with people has come into being. I believe it started with small conversations one on one with my pastor. Then our small group showed up one night a week, and we were of course comfortable to talk about Jesus. In both of these contexts, I knew that the purpose of the conversation was to go deeper into relationship with Jesus and others; but what about out in the world?

My studies throughout the Bachelor’s in ministry has landed me in Panera Bread. From previous posts, you may have already picked up on it. I thought I was going there for bottomless coffee and less tasks to pull me away from my studies. Instead, I have met people face to face who were there for their own small Bible studies who identified me as a student of The Word. Through short introductions we were brought together. Invitations to the studies followed. When I gave my live sermon in May to culminate my degree program, one of those patrons of Panera showed up for me.

I recently had the availability to show up to his Bible study. When I arrived, I was the only one. I remembered which church he attends and reached out with my contact information. Five minutes later, he and I were on the phone together, many states in between us as he was in New England camping. We spent an hour pouring into each other with encouragement and the Word of God.

I was at our state fair recently and met a woman who was representing one of the other exhibitors. What began as small talk led to meeting her husband who asked me if I was sure that I know where I’m going after I die. I assured him that I am going to heaven and explained why. This couple runs a ministry out of their home, and I received an invitation to join them. Their organization and my own aspirations to reach people for Jesus open a very wide door to future collaboration spiritually and professionally. It’s a connection that otherwise might have been missed.

God puts people in our path that He wants us to impact in some way. He puts our feet exactly where He wants them, our own mission field to bring glory to His name. Love God. Love people (yes, introverts too; there’s a way). Serve the community. We can’t change the world overnight; but we never know when our conversations will have the power to change the course of somebody’s life, even if it’s our own.

How do we know it is safe to speak Jesus with people? I don’t. But I know that when I grab that ear, or they reach out to me, that God is sovereign over the conversation, and whatever happens after that is His divine arrangement. Let faith win over fear. You never know if the ear you reach for is about to change your life unless you try.

Buddy Walk

Trisomy 21 (Downs Syndrome) is a debilitating genetic developmental condition. While I’m not the most educated in this condition, I will assert that it also causes an enlarged heart, because the people affected by this condition are so loving. I have given so many hugs and received so many hugs. And when I was studying for my Bachelor’s at Panera, Todd made me cry. I was watching the Liberty University Convocation on YouTube one morning, and during a worship song, I looked over my shoulder to see Todd with his hands lifted praising like everyone at the school. This year I am clearing my schedule to walk the Boardwalk Buddy Walk with him and his supportive coworkers; but I need your help. I have set a fundraising goal that I would love to achieve to help this population. If you can donate, please click below. If not, you can buy my book, and all money earned for the month of July will go to my fundraising page. Thank you in advance.

Click Here to View Fundraising Progress

Faith Over Fear

I recently had a patient who found herself in a very dangerous position. Throughout the whole transport from her house to the hospital, she was praying in both English and foreign language, at one point even singing.

Worship is not just Sunday morning, it’s a weapon every hour of every day. When fear and ominous conditions take over, worship drowns out the negativity and praises God for getting you through it.

As her clinician, it was comforting to me. She already knew that whatever the outcome was going to be that it was going to be part of God’s plan, and she thanked each part of the Godhead throughout the encounter.

Ephesians 6:10-20

“The Armor of God

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

Worship is your weapon. Face adversity with faith, not fear.

Happy EMS Week 2025

After the document known as “The White Pages” was published in the mid-to-late 20th century, EMS was formed to prevent deaths associated with highway accidents. Some years later, paramedics would be granted the extension of a physician’s hands to assist with critically ill or injured patients.

Now decades later, EMS is at the forefront in the evolution of prehospital technology, improving the way care is administered throughout the system. While adapting theory and practice from the military, EMS has spearheaded efforts to “stop the bleed.” From application of specialized tourniquets to administration of blood and blood products, patients now have greater chances of survival of serious trauma.

The work that is done on the streets is unknown to many; but for those who have been on the receiving end, their lives have been impacted regardless of their willingness to say “thank you.” From one provider to all others, I want to personally thank you all for being great colleagues. The work you do may not be recognized as often as it needs to be, and you may not be doing this job for the recognition; but I see you, I appreciate you, and I pray for you.

While this job can be thankless at times, it’s important to remember that it is not hopeless. When the rough calls and bad days come, reach out. God has a plan for your life, and He puts you right where He wants you at any given moment. To all my EMS colleagues: Thank you for the work you do!!

Full Speed Ahead

In February, I had a meeting with one of my pastors to see what his thoughts were on me approaching graduation and moving forward in ministry. He recognized my heart for the wanderers in my career field. Not all who wander are lost. I have had a heart for the fire/EMS community in the way that chaplains are used or under utilized. I moved from a service who used chaplains very well at a time when I couldn’t fully appreciate them to a place where I want chaplains in the field and remain unknown to our service’s pastor. It’s time to make a shift.

The day after my meeting with the pastor, I met with Mrs. Oklahoma Petite, owner of Rosebud CLLC, to record an episode for her podcast, “Unbreakable Hope.” After a busy weekend with graduation and a Monday being a Monday, the episode is up and live. Check out the video here.

Bachelor’s Complete

May 9, 2025, Lynchburg, VA

I think one of the most rewarding experiences of my life was attending graduation Friday night. When I married my wife, I vowed to keep “Christ preeminent.” Not knowing what that meant at the time, it sounded good, so I included it. I thought it meant to be aware of Christ. We didn’t attend church regularly, definitely no prayer life.

Friday night’s speeches and words of affirmation from the president of Liberty University instilled in me that I have accomplished what I set out to do. Christ is now at the center of our life. We teach Christ, we train our kids with Christ, and I take Christ with me to work. Christ is at the center, now, of who we are. I got to sit on the very football field where my college team plays, great the first year, not so great last season. I was among thousands of students who worked diligently to complete their degrees both in person and online. Included in my class was a 94 year-old doctor of education graduating and the youngest graduate was 16 with a Bachelor’s degree. The youngest graduating doctoral candidate was 23. If the attendees weren’t impressive enough, the worship sessions, speeches, and finally drone show were mind-blowing. I look forward to doing this again in 3 years for my Master’s degree. Still not a pastor yet, but we’re making progress.

Panera Bread

I choose to spend my days off work at Panera Bread because it takes me away from the housework I would attempt to do instead of schoolwork for Liberty University. In creating this discipline for myself, spending the day in the back corner disconnected from people and fully engaged in lessons, I have attracted some of the “regulars.” Each time I refill my coffee, I have a handful of people to greet or receive greetings from as I am not the only person who has regularly given their day to Panera. One such person, a worker, a hard worker, is Todd.

Todd has Down’s Syndrome. He spends several hours a day cleaning tabletops, windows, and floors. He works tirelessly the entire time he is here. Todd greets me each time with a “Hey, good-looking!!!!!” that always catches me off-guard and makes me smile. He can usually be heard engaging with other patrons as he makes his rounds. He is always so positive and complimentary as he gets around.

This morning I was sitting in my corner when Todd sat down in the corner opposite. He sat down with his lunch bag which contained a paper plate and plasticware in the outside pocket for whatever the contents of the bag. He sat quietly, getting up and down to refill his drink. I was watching a live gathering at Liberty University on my laptop (Liberty Convocation, the largest weekly gathering of young Christians in the world, is Wednesday and Friday mornings at 1015 on YouTube) that included live worship. I had my headphones on, but out of the corner of my eye Todd was inching closer and closer. I turned my laptop so he could see and turned on captions so he could read along.

I was thoroughly enjoying the music this morning and felt a little bad that I couldn’t disconnect my headphones and let the music play out loud. Out of the corner of my eye, Todd is sitting now beside me with his hands raised in praise as he watches the students at my school do the same. He was drumming along with the drummer when the camera panned to him and strumming like the guitarists when the camera panned to them. The music itself didn’t matter. Todd was praising God just knowing that this is what was happening on my laptop. I couldn’t look at him for fear of just bursting out into tears. I wanted to take a selfie with him, but I didn’t want to make him feel embarrassed for his hands raised.

I think we take for granted more often than not the moments we can reach somebody with the Gospel. We overlook the hearts eager to know. My buddy Todd greets me every single time I walk past him. How many opportunities have I had to bless him in some way? It doesn’t matter. Today he blessed me in a way that I needed more than anything. In this week’s reading, it was taught that sometimes the pastor needs pastoring to. Every day Todd is preaching a Gospel of love. I need to do a better job of listening.

Reflection

Sitting here reflecting on the last 2 semesters and the 2 ahead, I can’t help think about when Mary went to Jesus and told him the wedding party was out of wine. He looked at her and said “my time has not yet come.” Instead of doing nothing, He did a big something (John 2:1-10). I have gotten my feet wet in the seminary thus far. These 2 semesters ahead will send me diving head first into the work, the mission. I’ve considered God’s mission for me which has gotten me here to begin with, that and a 4:30am scriptural reference from the trash truck driver (Isaiah 50:10). I have a vision, I’ve seen it before but not in the same capacity. I witnessed it when my heart was not opened up. I played along, played nice. Now I feel driven more than ever to be that person. 99.9999999% of people don’t call the ambulance because they are having the best time of their life and want to celebrate with us. Veronica couldn’t face Jesus because of the shame she lived with for twelve years, but she ran into the crowd to touch a thread of His garment trusting that it could be enough to be healed (Mark 5:25-34). Jesus didn’t avoid the sick, marginalized, disenfranchised, or outcast. He met them where they were (‭Matthew 9:10-12). He told them to look up, lifted them to their feet at the same time lifting them up to His Father in Heaven. How much physical suffering is rooted in spiritual suffering? That bullet wound may be cooling off now, but I promise the turmoil inside was heating up for much longer. Help me, Lord, to breathe peace into broken hearts, help me reach those who are hurting in a way that will inspire them and glorify you. If it’s your will that they receive a message from you, please use my lips as the conduit. ‭Psalms 139:23-24 NIV‬: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Help me let my light shine bright from the lampstand, remove the shade of my past failures, and please forgive me for who I was. Bless my family and strengthen us for the road ahead. Here I am, Lord; send me in Jesus’s name. Amen. #itsokaytonotbeokay #resiliency #paramedic #smashthestigma #itsokaytobenotok #letyourlightshine #reachout #police #prayerchangesthings #PrayWithMe #jesussaves #GodsPlan #Godisgood