Bridge (brij)
Bridge: a structure that is built above and across a river, road, or other obstacle to allow people or vehicles to cross it. Designs of bridges will vary depending on the function of the bridge and the nature of the terrain where the bridge is to be constructed. There are six main types of bridges: beam bridges, cantilever bridges, arch bridges, suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges and truss bridges.
Famous Bridges in History:
the Verrazano Narrows Bridge connecting Brooklyn with Staten Island, NY; the Brooklyn Bridge which connects Manhattan with Brooklyn; the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge linking the city of Kobe on the mainland of Honshū to Iwaya on Awaji Island, in Japan; the Golden Gate Bridge connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County, CA; and the Sydney Harbor Bridge which joins the Sydney Central Business District and the North Shore, in Australia.
Application of the Word Bridge:
something or someone which/who provides a link, connection, or means of coming together.
Examples of Individuals whom God used to be “the Bridge” during their time
Jesus is the bridge that connected Heaven with humanity, his death on the cross of Calvary brought back the connection lost by humanity through sin (Romans 5:18, 19 & I Corinthians 15:22). Today, He is still present in our lives through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 17). Jesus is the most extraordinary Bridge, there has ever been; a Bridge that gives us hope of Eternal Life and Salvation. He connected with kids, sick,
fishermen, sinners, tax collectors, prostitutes, and with Nicodemus, He is the True Bridge. As we become the Bridge during 2009, we must keep the foundation of Jesus and the lessons we learn from Him right on the forefront, without Him, we can only be stumbling blocks. With Him, we can be the Bridge.
Joseph, without losing his roots and faith, was able to connect with the highest authorities and rulers of the Egyptian nation. Though he had all the reasons in the world to turn bitter and become a stumbling block, he became a Bridge, which for his family, his people, and the people of Egypt meant life. He also symbolizes hope to millions of people through the years who had to survive in foreign nations and excelled because of their trust in God and vision to minister even in strange lands.
Moses was born in Egypt; he was what we would call today “a third or fourth generation” Israelite. He served as the link between God and Pharaoh in the deliverance of the people of Israel from Egypt; he was also the bridge between God and the Israelites as God gave them the
Commandments and led them through the wilderness. God also inspired Moses to write a good amount of our Bible, making him a bridge whose writings connect us with our loving and righteous God.
Ruth married and Israelite. She could have stayed in her country of Moab, after her husband died, yet she decided to take a risk and be a bridge, connecting her life, forever, with her mother in law’s Noemi. Her vision to look beyond the borders of her tribe and nation enabled her to become the great-grandmother of King David, and one of the women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, she was literally an important part of the family of Jesus.
The Captive Girl at Naaman’s House also had all the reasons in the world not to be a bridge, she should have been a depressed, isolated and solitary young woman; perhaps, she should have been an obstacle for anyone who ever came in contact with her, life had not treated her fairly. If she had not made the choice to be a bridge and help her owner Naaman to connect with God and good health, we would have never heard her story in the Bible.
Philip & the Ethiopian were both Bridges. Philip accepted the challenge to put the Ethiopian eunuch in touch with Jesus, even led him to baptism. The Ethiopian eunuch is credited by some historians for being one of the pioneers of Christianity in Ethiopia, thus becoming a bridge to connect God and his country.
Paul was perhaps one of the most extraordinary bridges of all time, after Jesus. Being born and educated under the powerful influence of Judaism, he was willing to let go of everything he had, look beyond the traditions and the benefits of being part of the status quo, and accept Jesus. He went on to become the Bridge between Jesus and the gentiles (that’s actually all of us). He was a Jew and also a Roman, spoke different languages which allowed him to share Jesus in Palestine, Arabia, Asia Minor, and Europe. He understood the need for different methods to reach different people (I Corinthians 9:19-23) and was inspired by God to write a big part of the Bible.
How to be the Bridge that Connects within the Greater New York Conference
Learn about other cultures (we have members from almost each country of the world in our Conference and over 25 languages groups)
Visit a church of a different ethnic group or language
Make friends with people from other churches regardless of race, nationality, or language
Go on a Mission Trip to a country, which is not in your comfort zone
Learn to appreciate the abilities and gifts of people from other cultures
Let your pastor know how much you love him and appreciate his work
Take time to talk to the adults in your church
Take time to talk to the youth and young adults in your church
Organize a joint special weekend, Sabbath, or recreational activity with another church
Participate in the Worship Service, AY Society, Prayer Meeting, Sabbath School, and other church services
Participate in Church Business meetings, present your points with respect for the church and its leadership
Contribute financially with your church through your tithes and offerings, even if you make very little money, be faithful to God and supportive to your church.
How to be the Bridge that Connects with the Global Community of New York City and its Surroundings
Organize Church Sponsored Community Outreach Programs (Soup Kitchen, Feed the Homeless, Health Fairs, Block Parties, Cooking Schools, Pre-Marital Counseling, Kids Story Hour, Free Health Clinics, Drum Corps Clinics, Church Open House, Food Bank, How to Stop Smoking Seminars, among many others)
Adopt a public official in your community (send a birth-day card signed by your youth or club, notes of appreciation, a nice book, or magazine such as Signs, Listen, El Centinela, Message, the Gleaner, Adventist Review, Adventist World, Liberty, Shabbat Shalom, Vibrant Life, Women of Spirit, and Insight, or Guide, for their kids and teens)
Make an appointment with a Community Official, go to his/her office, pray for him/her and leave, without asking for anything, just let them know who you are
Honor your public officials during a special service (local police, legislators, mayor, firefighters, and councilman/woman, Representatives, Senators, State Governor)
Adopt and Honor a diplomat from the UN or an Ambassador or
Dignitary at your church
Apply to participate in one of the major parades in New York City with your Pathfinder Club, Drill Teams and Drum Corps
Anytime there is an Event in the Community make sure your church is involved somehow
Have your church sign a card or write a brief letter to the incoming
President of the United States
Have your church sign a card or write a brief letter to the outgoing
President of the United States
Visit the Pastors of the other churches in your neighborhood, pray for them, offer your help, and speak with your Pastor to get them a free subscription of Ministry Magazine (a Magazine for Pastors published by the Adventist Church)
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