Let me tell you about my uncle, Steve. He was the thirteenth of fifteen (living, one stillborn) children my grandparents brought into this world. He's just a few years older than me, and if I remeber correctly, the last to attend the one room school house in the small, rural community he was raised in. He spent his early years the same way most around here do, working on the small family farm, tending gardens, cattle, mowing hay, working on farm equipment, getting wood cut for winter.... you get the picture. Like most of the young people in these parts, when you become a teenager you start getting to go out to the "beer joints" on weekends. Drinking, fighting, and "chasing women" on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights were a routine way of life. It would not be surprising to hear of cousins I didn't know that I had, or of a tragic end to a young life caused by an auto accident or gunshot or barfight. It has happened to this family before. Well, about two weeks ago (it was on a Monday, I remember), I went through my daily routine of getting the morning paper before breakfast and glanced at the front page on my way back into the house. There it was.... on the front page.... with pictures.... in color! Steve and another of my uncle's (on my Mom's side). Other people were involved, also, one an 8 or 9 year old girl. Man, they were up to their "keesters" in it this time. Here, see for yourself! Not quite what you expected? Now isn't that a sad comment on the world we live in? Hebrews 11 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I'm not quite sure why I shared this bit of family history with you. Stuff like this is completely out of character for me. The annonimity of this medium may have emboldened me. Or perhaps God is dealing with someone out there who is travelling down a path similar to what Steve used to travel and needed to see in real life what a change God can make in a person. Revelation 3 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Or maybe someone who already knows Jesus as their saviour just needed a reminder of what He has done for them. Colossians 1 5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Or maybe I just needed to remind myself. Psalm 73 23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. If you think of it, say a little prayer for Steve and Hubert and the little church in Crickmer. I know they try to talk to their siblings about salvation, but you know how it is for a "prophet in his own country". Most of all, say a prayer for those who live like my uncles used to live and need God in their life. +++
Water;Spirit of Life Dwayne: Thanks for sharing that,seems like everyone has their baptisms inside a church anymore and it just ain't the same. Our church used to baptise in the Tippecanoe River and the last one we had it rained so hard we all got baptised before we got in the river! I grew up in the mountains of eastern Tennesse and went to a 2 room schoolhouse and followed your uncles path for a while and I'm sure he's going to like the straight and narrow better! God Bless Jake
