New convert moves into
apartment on church property

By Greg Miller, Christian Syndicated Columnist and Writer/Author
 

Pastor Goforth Nowe, age 83, looked very distinguished in his tailored three-piece suit, as he proclaimed Jesus Christ’s virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, death on Calvary’s Cross, burial, resurrection, ascension, and imminent return.

The Holy Spirit was tugging at the heart of a 90-year-old man named George, the pastor’s best friend. “Today is your day,” the Lord whispered to George. “Give your heart to me today, and you’ll live in my presence forever.”

“But I’ve lived a rough life, Lord,” George objected. “I’m sure you would never want to live inside my evil heart.”

“You’re right, George,” the Lord replied. “But I’m going to give you a brand new spiritual heart, and I’ll move into the brand new you.”

“I do believe you’re God’s son,” said George. “Please forgive my sins, and come to live in my heart.”

“Sure, George,” said the Lord. “And I just wanted you to know that there’s plenty of room in your big heart for my abundant love.”

George had gone to the front of the church before he had begun praying. At the conclusion of the prayer, he stood and looked into the eyes of Pastor Goforth.

“Pastor,” said George, “When is the next baptismal service?”

“How about right now?,” asked the pastor..

“I’m sure ready to be baptized,” said George. “I prayed and asked Jesus to forgive my sins and come to live in my heart, so I’m ready to be baptized.”

“Thank you for your willingness to be baptized now,” said Pastor Goforth.

“I intend to live the rest of my life in the Lord’s service, and I’m going to do my best to do everything he wants me to do,” said George. “This is the first step to fulfilling that commitment.”

“Are you going to start coming to church every Sunday?,” asked the pastor.

“I plan to be here on Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, Vacation Bible School and any other time the doors are open,” said George.

Pastor Goforth saw an opportunity to minister to George, while meeting one of the church’s needs. George, who was homeless, had temporarily been living at a homeless shelter. “How would  you like to live in a small apartment we have here at the church?,” asked the pastor.

“The church needs someone to be here all the time in case of an emergency. You can even open the doors prior to the services.”

“I have an idea!,” exclaimed George. “I’ll open the doors two hours before it’s time for the services to start. If I tell everyone that I’m having as good a time as I think I will be living here, maybe everyone else will want to move into the church, too!”

To contact the writer of this column about puppet ministry and/or speaking engagements, please e-mail kidcool4jesus@yahoo.com.