The question is, "Are you ready to let God use you in someone's life?"
If you wonder how, let me tell you a true story. "Kyle" grew up with parents who loved him, but never went to church. Not even at Christmas.
No bedtime prayers.
No, "Thank you, Lord, for this food," not even at Thanksgiving.
The only time Kyle ever heard the words, "God," or "Jesus Christ," was when somebody opened a bill or banged their fingers in a door.
He walked by a church on his way to school, but he didn't know what people did there.
Then a family with a boy his age rented the house next door
Kyle and Jimmy played together every chance they got.
After school let out, Jimmy asked Kyle, "Hey, want to come along to VBS? It's fun!"
Kyle's mom said, "I suppose it's okay, but I don't know why you'd want to."
Dad objected but Mom threw in the clincher. "Oh, what harm can it do? Besides, it gives me a break."
The next Monday, off they went. When Kyle learned that "VBS" meant Vacation Bible School he wondered what he got himself into. School? In summer?
In no time he loved it. Besides, these smiling grownups seemed to love kids and there were lots of homemade cookies. Kyle didn't want VBS to end.
A couple weeks later Jimmy's dad took another job and the family moved away.
When Kyle turned 16 he got his driver's license
One Saturday Kyle asked to use the car next day, so he could go to church. His dad said, "Church? Why on earth would you do that?"
"I remember that VBS with Jimmy. The people are nice over there and I like Pastor Matthew. I still remember the stories they told us and I want to find out more."
"Well, I guess if you want to give up a Sunday morning, go ahead. Once will be enough."
But it wasn't.
Some of the "cookie ladies" recognized Kyle and hugged him. Pastor Matthew remembered Kyle from VBS and invited him to come around any time. Before long Kyle considered Pastor Matthew his friend because he listened. Every question Kyle came up with, he answered, then said, "Got any more? Bring 'em on."
The more Kyle knew of Jesus, the more he wanted to know
Soon he asked to be baptized and later he was confirmed.
Then Kyle told his parents, "I know what I want to do with my life. I want to study to become a pastor."
"But Son, why? You could be anything!"
Kyle persisted and finally they said, "Son, if you're determined to go ahead with this foolishness, you're on your own."
He said, "Then I guess it's up to God and me. We'll do it together. Somehow. Some way."
Kyle related that conversation to Pastor Matthew and a few others who asked, "Got any college plans?"
Soon a member started a scholarship fund and Kyle was the first recipient.
Studying hard and loving it
Hebrew and Greek taxed Kyle to the limit. Five nights a week he stocked shelves in a warehouse and learned to get by on four or five hours of sleep.
Yet he had never been happier or more at peace.
At last he was ready to graduate. His parents came and also attended the worship service where Kyle would be ordained as a pastor.
That was their first--and only--time inside a church.
Five years later Pastor Kyle came to serve our congregation
One Sunday he shared his story, how as a child what touched his heart was one week of hearing the Good News of Jesus who loved children.
Pastor Kyle smiled at his faith family and said, "I also remembered all those nice, smiling grownups at Vacation Bible School who genuinely seemed to like kids, even kids like me.
"It's no stretch to say I wouldn't be here if not for that VBS. And by the way, my parents now are baptized believers in Jesus."
When the first call went out for VBS volunteers the list filled up instantly.
Most of us could manage to be nice and to smile
Really, that's the main requirement. Kids need to feel loved before they can hear the Gospel.
At our church we have VBS volunteers from eighth grade up to age 80-plus, all working together.
- Yes, some children will be there because their parents like free baby-sitting.
- That's okay with us because for some kids it may be the only time they'll hear that Jesus loves them.
Even if that's all the VBS kids remember, it's all worthwhile. The rest is up to God.
Lovingly,
Lenore
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