Manure

By Dr. Michael Sprague

What a newspaper headline. But such were the times. MANURE CRISIS was the headlines in Britain’s premier newspaper in 1894. The problem was simple. Increased urban population growth, smaller landmass plus transportation by horse and horse-drawn carriage resulted in 50,000 horses each dumping 30 pounds daily not to mention two pints of urine. The Times reported that “in fifty years, every street in London would be buried under nine feet of manure.” Do the math.

Across the pond, it was worse in New York City. More horses per square foot. City officials pushed the manure into vacant lots and the dung could tower 40-60 feet high. The Manure Crisis. A solution was needed and quick. Phew! Leaders called together scientists, great thinkers and civic professionals to a ten-day conference. After three days they all went home. They could not even perceive a solution, and they could not agree on anything. Sound familiar? The fate of the cities would have to be with the lesser people …the everyday people.

I am finishing up reading through the book of Isaiah. The prophet said of God, “See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up: do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” God has His way of creating reformation, breakthroughs, hope and life. God’s people have often been on the leading edge of innovations, imagination, creativity, solutions and selflessness for the glory of God and the common good.

Our nation is stuck. Many of our challenges look similarly insurmountable as in 1894. Let us not play the victim. Let us get in the current of the fresh wind of the Spirit of God. Most solutions are local… one person …one family …one community at a time. Most real solutions take heart and thinking change. This takes the Kingdom of God operating in ways the Kingdom of Man never can no matter how much it gives this illusion. I believe God is and will use you … His people.

May we find ourselves rejoicing today even if it is in our tears. May we live pursuing the things that can never be taken away. May we know deeply the One who became poor so that we could become rich. May our hearts be broken by the things that break the heart of God. May we say, “Here am I Lord, send me.” May a new generation of Kingdom pioneers be raised up for Kingdom pursuits in every aspect of society because every square inch of this planet belongs to Jesus. May the shalom of God be upon you.

P.S. By the way, the Manure Crisis got 100% solved within a few years but not by the elites. The solution was the CAR. By 1917, there were no more horses in the city. Manure disappeared.

P.S.S. I believe there are God-solutions to our manure problems today.

Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures.

Michael holds a Business degree from the University of Maryland, a Master of Divinity degree from Capital Bible Seminary (Lanham, Maryland) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. He served as Senior Pastor for 26 years in LA and MD. He has written two books – DISASTER: Betting the Farm on God in Life’s Storms and Stories from Katrinaland.

Donna and Michael reside in Mandeville, LA. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, reading and traveling. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God.”

To find out more about Michael visit his website.

A special Thank You to Free Images for allowing CGM to use this feature photo.