The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by John Earle
Sports World Pro/Associate Pastor, Union Church of LaHarpe
As the semester comes to a close with only a few more weeks on the road one can't help to look back and see how God can use you if you just make yourself available.
When you are tired ask Him for strength. When you don't know what to say let Him speak for you. Maybe just step a side and watch God at work. It is really amazing!
My travels have taken me all over the past few weeks to Detroit, Indianapolis, North Carolina and Nebraska. Our theme for this article has always been different states, cities, towns, and kids but same problems. Oh, how true that is.
Two weeks ago I saw God at work. While in Greenwood, Indiana, I felt God's spirit moving. The first school I spoke at was a junior high school. Two seventh grade kids made comments about alcohol abuse, physical abuse from parents and had thoughts of suicide. One of the kids even asked if I could pray with her.
At the last school of the week a young senior boy came up to me and just felt lost. He just wanted direction. He felt my talk and knew I was there for a reason.
This past week in North Carolina one school in particular really received my talk well. Six hundred kids hung onto the words that came out of my mouth and almost grabbed it before I could say anything.
I really felt the holy spirit at work in those kids' hearts. When I shared Jesus and told them that He is the one who loves you......they cheered.
It was almost as if they were saying, "Thank you for giving us real hope." Afterwards I was in awe how God really touched their hearts.
Two young black girls said they got caught passing notes in school about a drinking party and was worried about getting in trouble with their parents. I told them that discipline does hurt, but the truth is that it is better than the consequence of what that party and the effects of alcohol will do for you. Then we prayed.
Finally, a young lady simply said, "Thanks," as I was leaving. She had tried to kill herself two weeks earlier. Hearing my talk she said: "One day, one step, and one breath at a time. Thanks Mr. Earle."
Watching God at work is awesome.
God Bless,
John Earle (jearle@winco.net)