Imagine what it would be like to be able to walk up to someone from your past — someone whom you have not seen for years — and give them a hug or a handshake, and thank them for how they allowed the Lord to help you in your Christian walk. Who comes to mind for you?

Being the eldest of four and having just turned six years of age, I was encouraged by my mother to set off on my own each morning to walk three blocks to our little neighbourhood playground. There, I attended a Vacation Bible School program. I don't remember much — it was long ago — but I do remember the last day of our time together. I followed the three young people who were our leaders to a quiet corner of the park. There, in the shade of a large bush, I knelt with my head bowed and asked the Lord Jesus to forgive my sins. I prayed that He would come into my life and be my Saviour. The memory is clear. I knew that I now belonged to the Lord, despite my young age, and I understood the steps that I had taken.

1 Timothy 4:12 – Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (ESV)

If I could speak to those Christian youth workers today — they would be quite elderly now! — I would thank them for leading me to the Lord Jesus. They were the first to encourage me in my Christian walk. I would tell them of my deep gratitude and thankfulness for the Christian love that they showed a little girl sixty years ago.

Someday, in heaven, I know that I will meet those wonderful people again. In the meantime, let us pray for the work that young Christians are doing today for the Lord. Pray for the summer missionaries in child evangelism as they work with their neighbourhood partners and travel to their hosts' homes.

Hebrews 13:7 – Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (ESV)

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for those whom You have allowed to come into our lives to show us the way of salvation. We pray that You will be with youth workers this summer as they reach out to the children in Your most holy name. Lord Jesus, bless and encourage each and every one. Amen.

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About the author:

Sandra Thomson <datfamily25@hotmail.com>
Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada
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