His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a t-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This literally was his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant, with a potential to go far. He also became a Christian while attending college.
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.
One Sunday Bill decided to go across the street to attend church. He walks in with wild hair, no shoes, jeans and one of his t-shirts on.
The service had already started, so Bill quietly starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really getting a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer to the pulpit. When he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet next to a row.
By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
Trying hard to concentrate on his sermon, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A well-dressed man, very elegant, very dignified, and walks with a cane. As he starts walking toward Bill, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?
It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister hasn't been able to continue with his sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.
As all eyes watched, they saw this elderly man drop his cane on the floor, and with great difficulty, lower himself down and sit next to Bill.
Everyone is struck with emotion. And as the minister regains control, he starts by saying...
"What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget. Reach out a welcoming hand. Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible, some people will ever read."
Posted By: Donna Parker
Wednesday, August 27th 2008 at 5:43PM
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