~ by Terry Walters
Mark 4:30-32
In the summer of 1960, I was almost six years old and facing going to 1st grade in the fall.
A church from the nearby larger city of Decatur, Illinois,
held a Vacation Bible School for kids in my hometown of Forsyth
and from the interest shown there, they decided to plant a Baptist church in town.
My family began to attend the meetings held in the old Oddfellows Hall
that was literally a stone's throw away from our house.
Eventually, all of my immediate family became Christians
through the teaching and preaching that went on in Forsyth Baptist Church
as we remained faithful through the years there.
The church grew in size, heart, ministry, and influence over the next few decades.
It has had its ups and downs, as we all have, but it continues on.
I remember attending its 40th anniversary in 2001. At one point in the celebration,
they called up to the stage all those who had become involved in some ministry field,
either part-time or full-time.
Pastors, music ministers, missionaries, camp directors, youth ministers, etc.
The platform was filled as more than a dozen of us spread across the stage!
And there have been others since.
Who could have known how the impact and influence of that church
would grow and spread from those humble beginnings –
just like the mustard plant in Jesus’ parable?
God knew! And He knows what He would like to do with your influence, too.
Are you cooperating with Him as He builds His Kingdom? Are you still growing up?!
Prayer:Father, help us grow so that we may please You,
and do so by influencing others to follow You as well.
Help us see that it isn’t just about how we are doing,
but how we help others in their relationship with You, too.
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