From Young to Old: Sharing the Gospel is for All Generations posted by jwatson on May 24, 2011

The following two stories are good illustrations of how EE equips everyone, young to old, to share the Good News. Joshua is a child. Wilma is a senior. Both of them have been equipped through the EE training and are bold in sharing their faith with others. The enormous smiles on their faces clue us in to the joy they have in telling others about Jesus Christ. Their smiles alone communicate a wonderful story.

Wilma’s Story

Wilma’s grin lit up the entire foyer. It easily transferred to the receptionist, the facility manager, my wife, and me. The lift in her step belied her 90+ years of age and hip replacement as she practically scampered up to her apartment with the two of us trailing.

On the way she expressed genuine, personal interest in us: How long were we married? How did we meet? Did we have children? Where were they and what were they doing? Although we had just met, by the time we reached her apartment the conversation was flowing as freely and easily as if between old friends.

While settling into a chair, I noticed the miniature hand-carved easel and placard upon which the familiar two question marks (??) were carefully hand-painted. When I asked about it, she flashed that smile and said, “That represents two very important questions which I ask every visitor. They are probably the most important questions that can be asked of anyone. In fact, I’d like to ask them of you if you would be so kind as to answer them.”

The three of us then laughed. These two questions were the primary reason for our visit to Wilma. She has been a long-time supporter of EE. Although small in amounts —$10 to $20—she has given at least once a month since 1988. In addition, here is
a woman actively sharing her faith in the twilight of life, still concerned with the eternal well-being of others.

I was reminded that God rewards faithfulness: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord (Matthew 25:23, ESV).”

When I called back recently, Wilma excitedly told of a young man she had been sharing Christ with for over 3 years. He had a heart attack and was in the hospital Easter Sunday when she visited him and he prayed to receive Christ as Savior. I marveled at this glowing testimony from this remarkable 90-something year old and had to wonder:

If everyone one of us were as faithful as Wilma, what could be accomplished for Christ’s kingdom in our generation?

Joshua’s Story

Joshua attended the EE Hope for Kids training in India during a church Sunday school class. Shortly after the training, Joshua had the idea to draw the two EE question marks, representing the two diagnostic questions, on his t-shirt. His father says a flame was ignited in Joshua’s heart. “He went on a rampage asking the two questions to everyone hemet,”his father says.

Those questions have led to many discussions about Jesus. Kids trained in the Hope for Kids ministry not only share with their peers, but have opportunities to share with adults too, including their parents and grandparents. Doors not open for adults to share can be more easily opened when a child is involved. At such a young age, wherever Joshua goes, the Gospel goes with him.