A Theme Park Bible

Over the past weekend I took my family to see a Pennsylvania landmark called Dutch Wonderland. Dutch Wonderland is an amusement park created by the late Earl Clark in the early sixties that has a theme centered on children. Among the rides there are some features that I believe are original to the park. These are all small buildings; a one-room school house, an Amish farm house, and a gingerbread house. Tucked up under a tree is also a small church building. Inside I found two benches and a stand containing a bible opened to the gospel of John. (Below is a picture) In this day in age I find it interesting in the middle of a commercialized theme park that a bible and gospel message would be on display. It may be only a matter of time before this is removed due to our ever increasing PC society. 

I tried to find some history and background on Earl Clark as to what motivated him and his family to include this as part of the attractions. I could find nothing. But regardless it stands as a reminder and contrast to what appears important and what is actually important. I watch people walk by absorbed in the fun of the day and focused on the next ride’s entertainment to the point that they completely missed this tiny church. Few ever entered it and when they did it was out of curiosity. When inside and faced only with God’s word they must think it’s a mistake. How is this suppose to be fun may be their thoughts. In the book of Proverbs verse 6:23 we read that God’s words are like a lamp and light leading to the way of life. This book hidden in the back of a tiny church building under a tree contains the way to eternal life. But because the world lives in darkness they cannot comprehend it. (John 1:5) Let us use all the opportunities granted to us to reveal God’s words of light to a world of darkness.