A Step Becomes a Leap

 In 1992, I became a Member of St. Johns’ Lutheran Church (St. Louis city); I was going through a very rough time in my life (an ugly 3-year divorce/custody battle, during which I was very emotional, financially and spiritually distressed). Near the beginning of 1993, I was living in a rooming house (just 1 room for me, sharing a bathroom with 4 other renters, but no

kitchen and no A/C in a dangerous neighborhood).

It was then that 2 members of St. John’s’ (from the Board of Evangelism) sent me a

simple card with a letter, inviting me to come to church more consistently and gave me info. on how I could get involved in some areas at church. More so, even though, I had been attending regularly for almost a year, it told me I was really "welcome" at St. Johns.

 

I wanted them to know how uplifting and needed their message was at that time! Most times, you never hear how much just a simple gesture may have a powerful (through the Holy Spirit) impact. I placed that card in a prominent place in my 1-room home. It inspired me, made me feel

like I belonged, and, in general, triggered a blessed inner-peace whenever I looked at it.

It was just 1 "step" along my way to having a more close and personal relationship with

our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but, sometimes, a "step becomes a leap" as it

jump-started my life with Christ in His family of St. Johns!

 

On a Sunday, my daughter, Sarah, was near the altar as an acolyte and even sung with the

children (she had never done this) as they sang "Open my eyes to Your heart, Lord" (which really

says it all). I was sitting in the pew with my wife, Kathy, (the Sunday School Superintendent)

and my other daughter, Amy, (a Sunday School Teacher for PK & K). I'm also a backup

Sunday School Teacher. Kathy, Amy and I went to the altar to be blessed by the Pastor and the

congregation to continue our Sunday School teaching (Sarah was right behind us).

 

Afterwards, I looked over the pews and saw the 2 members who sent me the message, and, I remembered that card and pondered what may have happened if that "step" was not taken. Would I have been as involved at St. Johns? Would I have become as close with our Lord? Would I have been so blessed as to meet my future wife there? Would my 2 daughters have become as close as they have to our Lord over the years and get more involved with our church-family there? Only God knows, but, that "step" was taken by them, and, I wanted  to thank them & God again!

 

At the time when I was going through that tough period, I wasn't able to be with Sarah very much, and, because of her Mom's state-of-mind & behavior, as well as what seemed to be an uncaring court system, I was very, very concerned for Sarah's welfare, esp. her spiritual welfare. I couldn't take her to Sunday School or Worship Services then, and, in the little time we had together, I didn't have much time to teach her about religion (little did I know that showing her my Faith was more important anyway). 

Well, since then, Sarah was with Kathy, Amy and I a good amount of time and we discussed our Faith a lot. She's attended Sunday School and Worship Services for several years. She even was a Sunday School Helper for her Girl Scout project. Sarah loved to acolyte and, she attended Pastor's Confirmation Classes, which he graciously scheduled just for her, though he was very, very busy. She's grew in her Faith - what I was so concerned about (her spiritual life) before had blossomed very well.

 

So, I want to thank those members, our Pastor, our St. Johns’ family, and, most of all, Jesus Christ for all these blessings and making that "step" become a “leap”!