Our church has started a new semester of FAITH visitation. I'm particularly excited, as we have 42 people signed up and ready to participate in the ongoing strategy of going out and welcoming people to experience FBC Grapevine. I have seen that when God's people do what God says, God blesses, just as he promises he will.
Anyway, I was looking for the updated resources online, and I came across this story. The link caught my attention because I couldn't remember if it was one that I had written some time ago, so I thought I'd look and see.
I hadn't. An old friend actually wrote it (and by "old friend" I really mean that he was a friend several years ago when he and Kelli worked together, and I still count him as such, though we've lost contact with each other. I know he's pastoring in Granbury, but we've not talked since this article was written...although that fact is unrelated to the situation).
I'm quoted about halfway through the article. I'm mentioned as the pastor of Calvary in Craig. Reality is, I was the associate serving as the interim between pastors, but all those details get a little distracting. What really matters is the story itself about one of the coolest experiences I have had, in seeing Marcella (our tour guide) become a Christian. She stood at the star at the 50-yard line in the Cowboys' Stadium, and placed her faith in Jesus. My part was insignificant (as is all our parts in such endeavors), but I'm thankful I was allowed to have a part in seeing what God accomplished that day.
What strikes me is that the dateline for this story is Aug. 29, 2000. Seven-and-a-half years later, I wonder what Marcella is doing. I suppose it is unlikely (although possible) that she is still a tour guide. I wonder if she has grown in her faith and if her passion for the Lord burns brightly or is a weak flame flickering in the turbulent winds of life's trials. I pray for her today that the wonder and glory she embraced that day still defines and directs her life.
I've been honored to see many people come to trust the gospel as reliable and put faith for their soul into the responsibility of Jesus. The Lord alone knows who is sincere and authentic. That day, I discerned that Marcella was genuine in her profession of faith. The pastor part of me is pained in not knowing more confidently that she continues her walk of faith to this day. As before, I again place these concerns at God's throne of grace and ask him to bless her today with the reality of his presence in her life.