“Hey Daddy, I have an idea that we can do before school is out.”
It was Wednesday night. My son and I were driving home from church. He is a typical 7-year old, full of big ideas and the energy to make them happen. We had just talked about building a new doghouse over the summer break.
“Ok son, what’s your plan?”
“What if we tried to tell some of our neighbors about Jesus. I could read something from the Bible and you could tell them what it means.”
I paused, not sure what to say. In that moment, I could think of a dozen excuses. Like too many Christians, we do not really know our neighbors. From what we do know, we are not excited about learning more. In fact, the family he wanted to visit is known for their colorful language. What if they slam the door? What will that do to his faith?
I might have believed my excuses, if God had not giving me the same burden. Over the previous week, I had felt a growing conviction to witness to families on my block. How could I say that I love my neighbors, if I had never spoken to them? How could I tell them the sweetest name I know, if I did not even know their names?
“Ok son, we’ll try to go.”
“But when?”
“Maybe tomorrow, after you get home from school.”
“Daddy this is great. It’s just a walk across the street and it’s kind of like we’re being missionaries.”
So, we made our plans, deciding in advance what we would say. He chose John 3:16-17, then packed his Bible in a book bag. He even made some notes to help me explain about Jesus. That night, we said a special prayer for our neighbors.
To my shame, I wanted him to forget about it. But by morning, he was calling this our mission. Over breakfast and on the way to school, he kept plotting. After school, his excitement had only grown.
“Dad, are we still going?”
It was time. As we walked across the street, I put my hope in God. After all, this was his idea and it was up to him to work it out.
I knocked… No answer, but those few steps of obedience had filled me with courage.
“Son, let’s keep going and try the other neighbors.”
Over the next 20 minutes, we visited two apartments next-door to our house. Both ladies we met were church attendees who had already professed faith in Jesus. We have now learned their names and hope to become their friends.
“Hey Daddy, when do you think we can do this again?”
“I think tomorrow will work, we still have a lot of people left to talk to.”
4 comments ↓
Thanks for sharing that Tony! Praying! Keep us updated.
Camey’s last blog post..Basic Needs. Tana.
great testimony!
here’s an idea
how bout letting the child send out “mission mail?”
you simply open up your email, let your child pick a scripture to type out, and then share a short explanation of the verse.
finally, hit “send” and let him/her send it to as many on your email list as allowed.
it’s a wonderful way to touch many at one time with the same words of encouragement and truth. also at the end of the email be sure to encourage them to “forward” the email on to others.
it’s also kinda cool to mark the missionary emails with a loving red heart often found in the email “smilie” section. some even have rainbows, which encourage promise.
it’s easy! can be done at home or the library. it’s great that weather can’t interfer, and the mission email can be reviewed later just by hitting the button “sent” to remind you of what you sent last week. it’s cool! not to mention when you enter “sent” you could wipe out the old emails sent and add new ones and just hit “send” and out it goes to another group of people.
this way the mission work has touched far more souls than can ever be numbered. only God would really know.[smiling]
enough of my yacking, bye.
Missionary Blessings!
Hey Tony,
Great story. Sometimes we become so adult that we no longer have the simple faith of a child. Great story! Maddie and Jonathan were blessed to have you as their children’s pastor. You brought them excitement and zeal about the things of God and they were pumped to do God’s will.
Keep up the good work!
Jon
Camey - So fare we’ve visited 8 homes and shared the Gospel with 2 people. IT seems like everyone is open to having my son read his Bible verses. I think the authenticity of his faith really makes them think. He’s excited to do more, so we are going to keep at it.
Crystal - What a great idea. I’ll run it by my son, and I’m guessing he’ll love it too. He really likes using the computer to write stories.
Jon - You’re like a brother to me. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! I still pray for your kids and I’m looking forward to meeting you for lunch soon.
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