By Camille Roth
Recently, the fellows had the blessing of being hosted by the wonderful Isler family for a Lord of the Rings marathon (the extended editions of course), an event packed to the brim with community, fellowship, and generosity. Eddie Isler kicked the weekend off by prepping us with all the necessary background information about Middle Earth and its history.
As Eddie explained the Christian themes that resound throughout LOTR, the parallels that this fantastical series has with our own Christian journey through earth have stuck with me. We are each called to be Frodo Baggins, carrying the weight of the ring through middle Earth while resisting its temptation. But we also need to be Samwise Gamgee, arguably the BEST character in the trilogy, and without whom Frodo would have died umpteen times. During the Two Towers movie, as he emphasizes the importance of destroying the “One Ring,” Sam shares with Frodo why we must fight through and against darkness, as he says,
"Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out all the clearer…But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn’t. Because they were holding on to something. That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for."
After the LOTR marathon, as I reflected on what I hope for in the future and in life with Christ, I recognized that Christians are called to walk in the light of Christ. Even though we each carry burdens around our neck, and the way home is fraught with death and sadness, like Frodo and Sam, a pair of unsuspecting Hobbits from the Shire, we have been chosen for an incredible journey.
We are proclaimed to be children of the light walking in His path. John 12:35-36 says, “So Jesus said to them, the light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light lest the darkness overtake you. The one who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” Frodo and Sam didn’t set out to save the world---they only wanted to help their friends and return home. But nevertheless, they answered an invitation for something far greater, a fight for the sliver of good still left in the world.
Isn’t this what we are fighting for as Christians? Though the valleys are dark and the journey difficult, Christ is our hope and light. And we are obligated to tear off little corners of the darkness to reveal His light.
So, I stand here on the cusp of adulthood, looking forward to the great future as it dawns, and I am filled with both hope and fear. But like the Fellowship of the Ring, our fellowship has helped unveil our narrow paths of light. This year has taught me how to be a child of the light by living through the Word and community. Even though we carry our burdens through the valley of the shadow of death, we fight the good fight as we await the return of the King.
Recent Capital Fellows Pictures
Fellows gettin' comfy and ready to start the Lord of the Rings marathon.
The amazing map of Middle Earth Eddie so graciously provided for us (he also gave us a character sheet).
Eddie making chocolate syrup for our ice cream sundaes!
Taking a break from LOTR Saturday to watch the basketball game.
Become A Capital Fellow in 2022-23
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IMPORTANT: SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO WORK AT MCLEAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - Most fellows work in the marketplace - for companies, nonprofits, government offices. We are also looking for a Worship Fellow to join our worship team at the church. This is a special Capital Fellows opportunity because you are not only paid a salary, but also your Capital Fellows program fees are covered as well!
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This coming weekend, April 22-23, the Capital Fellows will join with close to 300 others for the 15th National Fellows Conference here in the Washington, DC area. This is the first time since the start of the COVID pandemic that the TFI Fellows community has been able to meet together for the national gathering. Please pray that this event is an encouragement and blessing to everyone involved.
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Benefits of The Fellows Initiative
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