Two things have happened to me in the past two days that have rocked my world. I’d like to share them with you.
One year ago PFC Brett Wood, a local Spencer soldier, was killed by a landmine in Afghanistan. When his coffin was driven by the church building on its way to the funeral home, we dismissed so we could stand along the road and pay our respects. Saturday I received a call from his family and was asked to pray at the beginning and end of the memorial service planned for Sunday. I do not know Brett’s family, but my name was given by a friend of Brett’s, a young man from our church whom I care deeply about. I have no doubt that someday he will commit his life to Christ completely.
But the “kicker” for me was a phone call I received early Sunday morning. It was from a pastor in town who had planned on just leaving a voicemail at the office. This pastor told me a story of a young man who had been an addict, but whom they helped. He turned his life around. This young man went to rehab in Terre Haute and consequently moved there. Lately he has had a resurgence with the Lord (the pastor’s words) and has become very bold in his faith. In his boldness, he reached out to a young man whom he met through rehab and counseling. Long story short, this young man gave his life to Christ and now wants to be baptized. He also told Ryan that he would only be baptized by one person: Pastor Bill Grandi. When I asked the pastor who it was I was told “_____________.” I remember him! His father had trouble with alcohol and other things. I remember taking him to a “Biker” rehab facility and then visiting him while he was there. I remember following up with him and meeting with him after he was released. He chose to attend a church that was a little (okay…a lot) “wilder” than we were and when I left in 2000, I had lost touch with him.
BUT THE SON REMEMBERED ME!
I was blown away by that. I lost track of the son way back in the 90s. It has been probably 20 years or so since I had helped his father. I am not even sure if his father is still alive. I wouldn’t recognize this young man if he walked up to me on the street. But he wants to give me the honor of baptizing him.
Why do I write this? Certainly not to toot my own horn. Please understand that. I really have no horn to toot anyway. I tell this story for two reasons: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” [I Cor.3:6] The other is also obvious. We never know who we will affect along the way. Over 20 years have come and gone, and with it a lot of water under the bridge, and a young man reaches into the archives of his mind and remembers. You never know the influence you might have along the way.
Quite a “memorial” Sunday for me. Not all my memories are good ones, but this one is a “keeper.” How about you? What type of memorial are you leaving behind? Ever had this happen to you?
Your excitement is certainly bubbling over in your telling of the tale. This is, as you say, a keeper. Good stuff.
Thanks Daniel. I am sure others have stories like that they can tell.
on an evening when I have been seriously struggling with why I am doing what I do because of all the “busy work” involved- I needed this. No clue if I know this person or not but I will be praying as his faith grows and develops. Love you!
Glad I could give you some “direction” even though 6 hours away. You affect kids every day, far more than I do. Keep your focus on Jesus and what He wants. The kid I doubt but the father you would have heard of and his grandmother definitely.
Hi Bill,
I think your experience this weekend shows that our ‘failures’ as we might perceive them can influence those who we did not expect to influence. The son was obviously watching your efforts to help his dad. You’re going to get the honor of this fruit, to your credit
This is awesome for you, and awesome for this young man in that he has received Christ as his Saviour.
This hasn’t been a part of my experience yet. I’ve prayed with a few people to receive Christ, and not many have told me that I have greatly influenced their Christian lives. I might be more of a ‘challenger’ in people’s lives. Each one of us has been given our strengths and talents in the gospel and the works of God.
We are to submit our reputation and work, to Christ, and let him do with us as it pleases Him. Right now you are being put in the public’s view. This area is where some of your strengths are.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”.
Persevere.
What you picked up is what I had hoped would be seen Linda. I never saw my time with his father as a failure but I have at times wondered about others. I am glad I was able to influence the son.
What does He say? “Be there.” “Show up.” And he does the rest. Wonderful story, Bill.
Well said Glynn. I like that. Thanks.
We don’t really know the effect we’re having at the time, do we?
No we don’t. That is the point.
Awesome, praise God. Thanks for sharing.
We never know the impact we have on people!
Very true TC. We can have a positive and negative. I prefer a positive.
Love it Bill! I Love when God does His thing and we get the blessing of being faithful!
I often think about the memorials I am leaving behind.
Keep up the God work my friend!
Thanks Jim. I love it when the blessing does come also.
It just goes to show you that when we are willing to touch people’s lives we have no idea how God is going to use that touch. What a wonderful gift God gave you Bill…well done my brother…well done.
Thanks Jay. I do consider it a wonderful gift.
You have no idea how much I needed to read this today. Chad and I have temporarily taking the lead with our youth ministry while our youth pastor is on sabbatical. It has been more frustrating than rewarding. I am a very structured person and the youth ministry was very unstructured. The students are not used to having boundaries and expectations. I know in my heart we are doing the right things, but I feel like I am banging my head against a brick wall. This post reminds me that we are only to do what we can do in the moment. God will handle the rest. I have realized that I have more a discipleship style in ministry than an evangelistic style. I am better in one-on-one growing deeper relationships than presenting the gospel to large groups. I really needed to be reminded that we often plant seeds and do not see the harvest for a long time. Thanks!
So good to hear from you Pamela. You and Chad have taken on an awesome responsibility. Just don’t give up thinking you are not touching lives. One by one is how they are reached and changed. So proud of you two stepping up.
Awesome story Bill… These type of stories are God’s reminders that He is omnipotent… and to give us signs for the future… Simple stories Bill. That’s what the world needs… You know what I’m writing about…
Excellent! Praise God!
Thanks Floyd. Is that another prod?
Yeah, not very subtle was it?
Great encouragement, big brother! It’s necessary to remember that often we are just the ones who plant the seeds and / or water, but it sure is so awesome when we actually get to see the fruit!
Thanks lil sis. it is awesome getting to see it.
Abba is so good to give us this kind of encouragement. Thank you for sharing this with us.
You’re welcome susan.
A great reminder that our ripple effect is a lot bigger than we are aware of. That we are touching lives in ways that we may never know. I’ve had people tell me that about my blog – people I never would have guessed are reading my posts. Very humbling indeed but it shows that God works in mysterious ways!
Good way to put it Craig- ripple effect.
I LOVE the way God works!!! That is an amazing story!
Thanks Jan. It happened while we were in TH.
What a great testimony that every act of kindness and love done in His name bears fruit in some form or fashion. We want the instant, but He is working it all in incredibly intricate ways. How encouraging this is! Thank you, Bill.
You are so right about the instant Jason but how God is working in intricate ways. Glad it could encourage you.
A precious story Bill, that God would bring this young man back to you to baptisted.
Yes, through our years of ministry we have memories such as you shared. And I think God bring them to us to say…keep on doing what you doing even though you don’t understand or see any results…keep on my brother, keep on.
Betty I am betting you and Ace could share story after story of times like this from your missionary work. Was wondering how Ace was doing.
Thanks for asking, he is gaining strength little by little. At our age we do not recover as fast as someone young. Thank God our ministry is not demanding at this time.
That is truly awesome! It’s about planting those seeds. Actions show so much more than words. Your actions certainly left an impact on that young man.
Actions certainly do speak louder than words. You are right Mike it is about planting seeds.
To God be the glory Bill. Your words gift me with tears and chills to witness the kingdom of God. Amazing how seeds of the kingdom sprout into things we can not comprehend. What glorious memorial experiences of God’s grace and continued harvest! Blessings and thank you!
Thanks for your thoughts Tom. It is amazing to see the fruit of seeds planted.