The only thing God is looking for us to do is to be "faithful not successful" (Mother Teresa). Often we can get discouraged about our impact for Christ. However, God knows when we need encouragement. I recently received an email from someone who I managed at MBNA (Newark site above). At the time, I was walking with Christ but just modeling my faith not very boldly sharing Him. I was "Preaching the Gospel at all times and sometimes using words.". I hope you enjoy the testimony that I am sharing with the writer's permission:
"Randy,
I’m not really sure if you remember me or not, but the last time we talked I was a young man making some really bad decisions in life while working on your 120-day team at MBNA. I wasn’t as dedicated as I should have been, I didn’t care as much as I should have, and you always kept me straight.
Unfortunately, you couldn’t hold my hand forever and you ended up taking a position in Maryland.
You probably wonder why I’m writing. I just wanted to say "Thank you." Let me give you a bit of a back story. After you left Belfast Maine I continued down some pretty rough paths. Back then I was actually into drugs (which I’m sure you assumed anyway) and drinking. I met a girl (on a blind date) who turned out to be the complete opposite of me. She and I had been dating for about 4 months when I got fired from MBNA. Without question she and her family took me in and let me live with them until I was back on my feet.
Here we are, almost 5 years later and she and I are married. I’ve straightened my life around and I have a son due in about 2 weeks. I got thinking about the decisions I’ve made over the course of my life and I realized the only person who truly cared if I made anything of myself (besides my own parents) was you. You did a lot to help me and it’s not until now that I see that what you did for me was a lot more than just a pat on the back or a step in the right direction. You helped me understand life, and only now, five years later do I realize it.
I just wanted to say thanks. I hope all is well in your life, God Bless.
Joshua Smith"
It has been said that we should not count the days of our lives but make the days of our lives count. All of us have the opportunity to be Jesus to hurting people. God calls us to love everyone, "Love your neighbor" and "Whatever you have done to the least of these you have done onto me.".
Make it a great life and make a difference wherever you are!
Coach Chambers
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Who is your "neighbor"?
Do others see Jesus in you?
Are you faithful or successful?
Posted on
Tue, October 21, 2008