“Thank you so much Sarah for the
book you gave me last week. “ Emily said while giving her youngest a big push
on the swings. “I read it cover to cover
and it was so interesting. My husband even
saw how engrossed I was reading it before bed and asked to take it to work with
him two days in a row.”
Sarah’s daughter Grace giggled as
she exclaimed “Higher mommy higher!”
Loving the
smile on her daughter’s face and not wanting to disappoint her Sarah obliged
with a mighty push resulting in another round of giggles. “You are most welcome. I am glad to help. I am here anytime you need me.”
Leaving her
son to swing on his own Emily carefully avoided his pumping legs and walked
over to join Sarah next to the pole. “But
why me? What does this all mean to you?”
“You mean
Jesus?” Sarah asked.
“Yes. I mean it is a nice story and all but what
does that have to do with you and me?” Emily reiterated. “Why did you give me a free book?”
After a
moments thought Sarah asked, “Well, let me ask you a question. Did you make handprints and fingerprints of
your children as babies?”
“For my
oldest we did at birth. It is framed on
our wall. I have yet to do anything with
Michael. Why?”
“My Grace
was so tiny that I wanted to have proof of her growth to remind me of how far
she has come and will go. I took her
handprint and while looking at it Jesus spoke to me about how important He is
in my life and how He is always taking care of me and my family.”
“Yes, I
remember the difficult time you went through with her premature birth.”
Finally
freeing Grace and running after her to the slide Sarah motioned Emily to join
her in the shade. “Grace would not be
where she is now if it were not for God’s hand orchestrating everything. Her framed handprints on our wall serve as a
daily reminder of His healing and provision.”
“In other
words it is not just a story to you but this Jesus character is real.”
“That is
exactly what I am saying Emily.”
Pondering
that thought for a moment Emily distracted herself by seeming to be captivated
by what Michael was doing as he gleefully climbed the slide and slid down
followed closely by his friend Grace. “Wow. That gives me a whole new perspective. Do you happen to have more of those books? My husband still has my first copy.”
Handing her
a pocket testament Sarah smiled and simply said, “We will be praying for you.”
On Sunday
Sarah’s husband Harry nudged her during the sermon and whispered “Isn’t that your
friend Emily?”
“Shhh. Yes, it is.
I will talk to her after service.”
Later approaching
her from behind Sarah tapped Emily on the shoulder. “Welcome Emily. It is nice to see you here. “
Enveloping
Sarah in her arms Emily couldn’t contain her excitement. “I went home that day from the playground and
Jesus touched me. His handprints are on
my life now too. I want to shout it from
the mountaintops and share with everyone I know. Where can I go for help?”
“I know
just the place. It is called Pocket
Testament League (www.ptl.org) and there you
can find the answers to all your questions like what
is evangelism and why read the Bible.
They also have free evangelism training,
free daily devotionals, and other evangelism tools and resources. There are even ways to reach those around us
as well as around the world in places like China! Congratulations. Welcome to the family!”
