Oct

10

Hearing from the Past

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I served as a youth minister in a church from 1973 – 75.  During that time I had input into the lives of more than 100 youth.  I left the church and began my career with World Vision and then Toccoa Falls College.

There are times in your life when you reflect on the past and wonder where people are now.  I also wonder “did I really make an impact in those lives.”  Today, I received an email from a name I didn’t recognize.  I opened the email and began to read it and my question about making an impact was answered.  The email began this way, “A long time ago you came to the north to lead a youth ministry program.  I was one of the youth you helped guide during your tenure.  I want to thank you for the time and the effort.  You graciously took the abuse we handed out and always came back for more.  You brought us values greater than book learning.”  “What you left behind for us, whether intentional or accidental, was a determination to succeed.  From our small group you will see lawyers, doctors, a lowly engineer and a minister.”

The email continued, “I have worked with my children to instill those values that are so much a part of my being and have been frequently asked who (outside of my parents) is to ‘blame’.”  “Quite often I can look back and say I was acquainted with a preacher from Georgia, who enforced the 12 inch rule, had no tolerance for alcohol, and got me through confirmation.”  “I have had many opportunities and challenges in my career to date.  I have visited places plagued with poverty from war or revolution.  We have always tried to leave them a little better off than when we arrived.  You helped plant that seed in myself and others.”  “I do not mean to bother you but thought I would say thank you on behalf of those of us who benefitted from your time and faith.” 

What an unexpected email, sent by God to me at a time when I was needing to be encouraged.  And you know what, it wasn’t money, it wasn’t cars, or things of this world that this man remembered.  It was that someone took the time to build into his life and the others around him that Jesus Christ cares for and loves them and as they live for Him he will always lead them in the right path.   That was worth more to me today than this man will ever imagine.  God is so good and He is in control.   May you be encouraged today by someone whose life you have touched in the past.  Remember, it is all about Jesus and not about us.

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