Willing To Risk Death Daily

“Wanted. Young, skinny, wiry fellows. Not over 18. Must be expert riders. Willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred.”

In 1860 the Pony Express burst onto the scene with an innovative way to deliver the mail. Of the 183 men known to have ridden for the Pony Express, few were under 18 (although the youngest, Broncho Charlie, was 11) and few were orphans. But the message was clear, the Pony Express required courageous men who were willing to risk their very lives for the sake of their mission.

With all the rapid change taking place in our world, you probably didn't notice that today marks the anniversary of the advent of the Pony Express. Our instant global communication makes it hard for us to imagine what the world was like in 1860.

In 1845, it took President James K. Polk six months to deliver a message to the Far West. Messages in those days had to travel around the tip of South America or across the isthmus of Panama.

By 1860, the fastest route was the Butterfield Stage line from St. Louis, Missouri, through El Paso, Texas, which took 25 days. It was almost 600 miles shorter to deliver the mail over a central or northern route. There were concerns, however, whether these alternatives were viable during the winter snows.

Enter Alexander Majors and Ficklin, who had a better idea. They assembled 190 relay stations over 1,966 miles from St. Joseph to Sacramento, along with 50 riders and 500 horses. They completed the task in time for the April 3, 1860, opening. During the summer it took about 10 days to cover the route.

The advent of the Transcontinental Telegraph put a quick end to the Pony Express. And here's the incredible thing. Despite its place in American western folklore, the operation lasted barely 18 months, from April 1860 to October 1861!

The message is clear. If you are in business because you are bigger, better, faster or quicker - beware. Take an occasional glance over your shoulder to see who is approaching. Or better yet, get out front to learn what new innovations you can make to remain relevant and competitive.

And the implication for the church? We too need to continually be willing to adapt and change our methods. Our message never changes, but our methods must. By October 1861 the same message could now be sent from the east coast to the west coast in seconds instead of days. The Pony Express was a great idea whose time had passed them by.

May that never be said of the church of Jesus Christ. Our mission to make disciples should penetrate every aspect of our city and culture. Might the message of Jesus Christ be communicated in relevant ways that impacts the heart and lives of people.

God too is looking for a few good men and women. They must be courageous men and women who are willing to risk their very lives for the sake of the mission. They must be willing to risk death daily!

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:24-25