Friday, February 8, 2008

Just a piece of candy!!

Sometimes we feel that our efforts are so insignificant. We may feel that what little we are doing is just a waste of time. We see no results, so why keep trying! May I share a story with you?
Bro. Jones is an 80 year old widower. Phil and I had the honor of pastoring he and his wife (Laura) for many years at the Tecumseh church where he was affectionately called "Leon". I attended the Tecumseh church all my life and grew up with Laura and Leon's two children. I don't think that I have ever heard Leon "testify" but I never doubted his sincereity. He was always the first to arrive at church (even after his wife's death) and stood at the door to greet everyone as they arrived. He shook hands with them, but that wasn't all. After shaking hands you could always find two pieces of candy in the palm of your hand. It would either be butterscotch or cinnamon, because he knew which you preferred. After resigning from Tecumseh church we started attending Adrian where our son is the Pastor. We pick Leon up every Sunday for church. He quickly got acclimated, he already knew most of the people, and continued his "ministry" of two pieces of candy to everyone present. Well, I for one, sometimes will eat one piece and put the other one in my purse, and sometimes I just put both pieces in my purse for later. Needless to say, I end up with several pieces of candy, and never give it much thought. No big deal, right? I just have a bunch of candy in my purse. Well, here's the best part. A couple from our church took a trip to Mexico and while they were there they visited a mission. This mission would go out to an area where people lived by the City Dump and they would minister to them there, so this couple went with them. They witnessed the poverty of these people who would have to scrounge through the dump for food and whatever else they could use. They were overwhelmed by the poverty and destitution and wished that they could help somehow. Then they remembered Bro. Jones' candy. For, you see, all those pieces of candy that hadn't been eaten, she had put in a bad for later. That bag a candy was in her purse. She began to distribute the candy to outstretched hands. She rejoiced in the smiles and the joy that these children expressed just because of her treat. When she returned to church, she was bubbling over as she related this story. Now this may sound unimpressive to you, but think about it. this should convict us or challenge us. God laid a ministry of encouragement on the heart of an elderly man. A man whose communication skills are impaired, for you see, he has dyslexia, and can not read or write. Leon's little gesture multiplied and reached beyond his small area of influence and touched a little one. Such simple gestures have the blessings of Heaven resting upon them.

"And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." Matt. 10:42

3 comments:

Beth 'n Ralph Williams said...

Hi Phil and Sue! It's the Williams'!
My blog is www.ddub113.blogspot.com

Beth 'n Ralph Williams said...

School is going pretty good!

urhis said...

Leon is a Blessing to so many. He just loves to give Naomi candy and she loves for him to do it! LOL I enjoy your updates on your blog.