[Perspective] Thinking and praying

On this day in early January, I am thinking about a man and a message. Today, January 3, I just learned of the homegoing of a great man, Junior Hill. Junior has preached in our state many times at ECON and many of our churches. I used him often when I served Immanuel. His humility, honesty and humor were always evident in his preaching. His heart for Jesus and the people He died for was preeminent in his messages. My family was impacted by him, and several family members solidified their relationship with Jesus and the church during his time with us.  I miss Junior today, but there is a reunion coming. 

I think also of a message. This message was not from the pulpit but in a personal visit a few weeks ago with Dr. Mark Tolbert, longtime pastor and professor who is thankfully, back in Arkansas. As we visited recently, I asked Mark about his challenge to his students especially when it came to their commitment to share the Gospel at least once a week with someone. Mark immediately talked about a Monday morning prayer. Simply put, it was a prayer for sensitivity to the Lord as He would lead the student to a Gospel sharing opportunity.  

I have personally started that Monday morning prayer. What would happen if we all would pray each week for that opportunity and then share the Gospel? It is not for lack of lost people that we do not witness. May the Lord lead us to be sensitive to the people who need the Lord who are all around us. 

ECON is just days away. Warren Gasaway, his team, and the great speakers will bless and challenge us. There is much talk about a culture of evangelism. Junior Hill, Mark Tolbert and many others are examples of what one can do to create such a culture. We have the message. Let’s be one of the people to see our state saturated with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.