I was cruising the riverfront late yesterday afternoon looking for images when my eyes were grabbed by a most unusual sight. A man stood on the stage under the Arch and just above the Mississippi, clad in pure white winter clothing, as if wearing arctic camouflage. He was standing in a posture similar to military parade rest, holding a mostly white flag. I had to meet him.
What was his name and why was he there? He said I should call him Brad, Servant of the Lord, and that he was standing there for the Lord Jesus Christ, available to pray with anyone who requested prayer. The Lord had spoken to him and he would be there, under the great monument along the mighty river, on Sundays from 10 to 4 until the Lord told him otherwise. And winter is coming.
He gave me a copy of a letter he had folded into his pocket, telling a touching story of how he came to his faith through the recovery from cancer of someone close to him. Inside the paper was a crisp dollar bill. The note contains the words In God We Trust and they were circled with a pink highlighter. I'll put in in one of the Salvation Army fund-raising kettles that are found in front of all our big stores at this time of year.
What was his name and why was he there? He said I should call him Brad, Servant of the Lord, and that he was standing there for the Lord Jesus Christ, available to pray with anyone who requested prayer. The Lord had spoken to him and he would be there, under the great monument along the mighty river, on Sundays from 10 to 4 until the Lord told him otherwise. And winter is coming.
He gave me a copy of a letter he had folded into his pocket, telling a touching story of how he came to his faith through the recovery from cancer of someone close to him. Inside the paper was a crisp dollar bill. The note contains the words In God We Trust and they were circled with a pink highlighter. I'll put in in one of the Salvation Army fund-raising kettles that are found in front of all our big stores at this time of year.
What a great little story and of course, pictures. I rarely go down to the Riverfront, so it was nice to find out about something I wouldn't have known about.
ReplyDeleteHope he stays warm!
original pour faire parler de lui, en voyant des photos moi aussi j'ai pense a un explorateur.
ReplyDeletei admire those who are called to a life of spiritual service. Hope it helps.
ReplyDeleteRight... I'll just move on if you don't mind. I'm sure I can get to the Arch if I walk along a bit...
ReplyDeleteThat's quite story....I wonder how long he really will stand there.
ReplyDeleteIt's 2018 now and he is still standing there,Because I just met him this morning. What a committed soldier in God's army.
DeleteThis is May 2018 and he is still there. I just spoke with him this morning. Great faith in what he has been called to do. Amen and god bless him.
DeleteWEll bless him for wanting to do something good for his fellow man. We need more Brad's in this world.
ReplyDeleteV
It takes ALL kinds.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is extra wacky. Love the head-on shot.
ReplyDeleteWe have been wondering what this man was doing, as we pass him each time we attend a Rams game. God Bless anyone who has the willpower to stand up for what he believes! It's really cold today, and he was there when we arrived and as we left the game today.
ReplyDeletethis is my bro and i tell you what he is the best bro to have he is there for you and my fam what more can you ask in a brother god love him for doing somthing on his own time for pepole in need
ReplyDeletehe makes for terrific photographs. So stark. Nearly brilliant in all his white. Again, nice shots, Bob.
ReplyDeleteBrad was there today, coming down the steps of the Arch we thought he was a statue. It was a beautiful sight. Now that I know the story, it is one of those things I will be thinking about for several days.
ReplyDeletevisited the arch on sunday 11/6/11 and noticed "BRAD" still there. Pretty cool actually.
ReplyDeleteAmazing...visited the Arch on Sunday, August 19, 2012 and did not know his purpose at the time. I was curious and googled when I got home. Truely an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteGreat ministry!!
ReplyDeleteWe were there in February of 2014 and he was still out there. A true inspiration
ReplyDeleteI saw him Sunday I wanted to talk to him but was a bit afraid to bother him because I wasn't sure what he was doing. Now that I know I will treasure the pics that I took of him and will share his story
ReplyDeleteI met Brad yesterday at the go race I volunteer for. Just an amazing uplifting person thank you brad!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know a way I can't be in contact with Brad? We spoke with him a year ago and will be passing through again this year but not on a Sunday and we want to visit with him again!
ReplyDeleteAt the of aug 2019 , Brad was still standing at the Arch . My family and I honestly thought he was a KKK member . I feel horrible now, knowing his story . I wish I would have glanced a little longer to realized what an incredible man he was . I will go back , just to talk with him !
ReplyDeleteToday, June 21,2020, I spoke to Brad Servant of the Lord once again. The first time I spoke to him was back in the fall of 2012. He is definitely faithful. I believe he said it has been doing this for 570 weeks. I make a point to look him up when I am in the St. Louis area. I enjoy having conversations with him.
ReplyDeleteWell, Brad Servant of the Lord is still there on Sunday between 9 am until 3pm. Spoke to him today, October 2nd, 2022. 689 weeks in a row for him.
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