Yesterday I preached at a church down the road from where I grew up. I met folks that graduated from the same high school as me. My parents were even able to come over and visit with us. It is a blessing to think back on people the Lord worked through to bless my life as a youth. God can work through you! As I just finished reading through Exodus, God worked through Moses and Aaron. God can work through us!
Today, I just want to pause and give thanks to the Lord for some people He worked through to impact my life as a youth.
Mr. and Mrs. Smeltzer who taught my third grade Sunday School class. I still remember the first day I walked nervously into that second-floor classroom at church. They welcomed me and taught me the Bible.
Mrs. Gentry who challenged us to memorize the books of the Bible so we could go roller skating. I memorized the books of the Bible (I never really learned how to roller skate).
Pastor Moore who preached the Gospel, explained the meaning of believer’s baptism to me, and baptized me (I was one of the last people he baptized before he moved to Alabama to pastor). Years later he reached out to me when he heard I had moved into this role and let me know of his prayers and support.
Mr. and Mrs. Keller who worked with our youth group, driving the bus, looking after us, and challenging us to love the Lord.
Doug Jones who was my youth pastor and walked with me through my calling to ministry. He let me intern with him.
My own parents who invested countless hours in ministering to children and youth, modeling for me service to the Lord.
These are some of the folks that blessed me as a youth. Others would follow them as I moved into adulthood, but these folks loved Jesus and ministered to a shy kid who lived a few houses down from the church building.
To all those who serve young people in SBCV churches, thank you. God can use you to minister and disciple this next generation now. You are not alone. Keep pressing on!
Your brother in Christ,
BRIAN AUTRY