“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven…..whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:2-5

Last week, I wrote about the “home-going” of my sister-in-law Denise. I’m happy to add a little more to the story and tell about the events leading up to Denise’s “heart change.” As you remember, Denise had no spiritual beliefs and said she was an atheist. Denise’ daughter, Lisa had a school friend who invited her to Sunday school and church. Her parents were dairy farmers, quiet, peaceful people who lived in the country. They were good, solid Christians. Lisa loved going to church with her friend, they would pick her up each week and take her home afterward. Her friend had an aunt who came to visit, she was a strong Christian, beaming with joy in the Lord and very kind. She explained to Lisa that she could accept Christ.

Lisa prayed a prayer in her friend’s living room, on her knees with hands clasped, leaning forward on the couch. Even though she was in second grade, it was very real and she knew in her heart, she belonged to Jesus.

Lisa continued to go to church and spend time in her friend’s home and enjoyed the warmth and love she felt there. Even though Lisa was young and didn’t understand everything, she knew her immediate family was not Christian. She began to pray for them, very simply each night before she went to sleep.

God heard those prayers! Several years went by and Denise was invited to join a ladies Bible study in the community. The ladies had been praying for her. Denise went to that Bible study for two years, continually asking hard questions and challenging them. She just wasn’t convinced, but something kept her going each week. Denise would not believe and confess unless she was convinced. She had to know for sure and would be confrontational with her questions and straight forward comments! She wasn’t afraid to tell you exactly what she thought and ask uncomfortable questions!

Finally, after much searching, she asked Jesus to be her Lord and Savior! As soon as Denise became a Christian, she started praying for others in the family. Her brother started going to church and accepted Christ. Her mother prayed to receive Christ shortly before she died and her three sons became Christians.

As she prayed for the salvation of her family, she clung to a particular verse. She underlined it in her Bible and painted it on pictures and plaques she had on the walls of her home. She gave several of those plaques to friends and it was clear that this verse was her special verse,

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31.

In a handwritten note she wrote, “Please tell everyone how much the Lord meant in my life. When I was born again I experienced this beautiful freedom of being in Christ. It held me together through many hard times and losses. It brought JOY that never left me.” At one point in the letter, she wrote, “When my family is downstairs and my casket is being closed, play “God on the Mountain” by Lynda Randle – not in the quiet Swedish way, but with volume and strength.” Never underestimate the prayers of a child! “A little child shall lead them.” Praise the Lord!!

Your friend,
Jean