By Andy Baker
Some of the most meaningful times of my growing years were when an older gentleman would stop me at church and show interest in me. I can remember Carl Stewart stopping me every Sunday just to say hello, which made me feel valued. He was one of a handful of people that called me Andrew. As a young man, each Sunday my mother dressed me in a suit with a bow tie. John Smith, an older gentleman who greeted each Sunday at the church door also wore bow ties. He always watched for me and complimented me on mine. I absolutely loved it!
This month we held our first marriage seminar in Tanzania, and it was received quite well. Jerry and Sylvia Taylor from Mountain Christian Church in Joppa, Maryland were our facilitators. Each evening before their teaching, the worship team from the church would lead in song and dance. It was a joy to see their enthusiasm each evening, but one of their members stood out. It was a young boy named Elijah, who had memorized every step and each evening he danced his heart out. We all noticed him and quickly fell in love with his infectious joy for worshipping.
This did not go unnoticed by Jerry Taylor, and I watched Jerry engage this young man, and to our amazement, Elijah spoke almost perfect English. But as I watched Jerry's exchange with him one evening, I saw an older gentleman speaking "words of life-giving encouragement" into this young boy. I saw Elijah smile and an amazing thing happened. Each evening following, Elijah was there to greet us, and he even helped Jerry carry his equipment into the church. A beautiful relationship was born. On the last night of the seminar, Elijah even brought his parents to the church to meet his new friend, Jerry.
It doesn't take but a moment to give a word of encouragement. As I watched Jerry and Elijah together, I know it will be a relationship never forgotten. Just as sure as I think of Carl Stewart and John Smith, Elijah has Jerry Taylor.
Elijah and Jerry