I realize this is an odd title to start with. This is the name of an elementary school I attended.
It was back in my fifth grade class in 1974 that I encountered the love and sacrifice of someone who really believed Jesus. I see his young face still, but I don't remember his name. And it's really kind of sad, at the time I didn't recognize his actions for what they were. It took me decades to realize that.
Y'see, the boy gave up a gift for me. I was humbled and surprised by it then, and I'm amazed at it now realizing what he understood at that time.
We had talked to one another about believing in Christ before, and he confronted me to accept Jesus then. I'd done so, but I didn't have his depth, and wasn't trained to know what it meant.
But his example has since impressed me so often that I can't help but share it. He's one reason I'm a Christian today.
One of my mentors always warned us to reach out honestly and not shrink from Christ's demands. This child always comes to mind as that chief example for me.
I hope that some of you may have done something similar, or maybe you're this kid now grown, who needs to know -- your sacrifices to follow Christ aren't ignored. Often they're hugely significant years later for the recipients of your own grace. So thank you. On behalf of me and my brothers in Christ, thank you.
It was back in my fifth grade class in 1974 that I encountered the love and sacrifice of someone who really believed Jesus. I see his young face still, but I don't remember his name. And it's really kind of sad, at the time I didn't recognize his actions for what they were. It took me decades to realize that.
Y'see, the boy gave up a gift for me. I was humbled and surprised by it then, and I'm amazed at it now realizing what he understood at that time.
We had talked to one another about believing in Christ before, and he confronted me to accept Jesus then. I'd done so, but I didn't have his depth, and wasn't trained to know what it meant.
But his example has since impressed me so often that I can't help but share it. He's one reason I'm a Christian today.
One of my mentors always warned us to reach out honestly and not shrink from Christ's demands. This child always comes to mind as that chief example for me.
I hope that some of you may have done something similar, or maybe you're this kid now grown, who needs to know -- your sacrifices to follow Christ aren't ignored. Often they're hugely significant years later for the recipients of your own grace. So thank you. On behalf of me and my brothers in Christ, thank you.
