THE EASTER JESUS GOT SAVED!

As a pastor and missionary I believe in our youth. Don’t give me that stuff that says, “youth are the church of tomorrow.” Sorry, they are very much the church of today.

In the late 90’s, while living in Honduras, my wife Lydia and I were chosen to plant a new church in an upper-middle class area of La Ceiba. I chose a young aspiring Honduran pastor, Vicente, (Photo to the right) to work on the team me. He led our youth.

Although our small upstart had begun with only 5 people in January, by Holy Week it had grown to 35. We were gearing up for the big day—Easter. The youth were to prepare a drama. We had no church building as yet, and since our tiny rented house would hold only a few, we decided to meet outdoors in the side yard. We strung up lights, set up chairs on the grass--and prayed it would not rain!

To our amazement 64 people came that first Easter! And when it came time in the service for the youth drama, they did a super job presenting the story of the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead—a true and fitting resurrection story. Fourteen-year-old Gloria played the dead daughter of Jairus. Vicente played Jairus, weeping over his loss. And Jorge, 16, played the part of Jesus. The youth had worked very hard and when it came time to perform, they were at their best. Applause rang out as the once-dead daughter hugged her daddy.

My preaching time focused on the question, “What will you do with Jesus?” I picked up my guitar at the end of the message and began to sing the chorus, “I have decided to follow Jesus.” The invitation went out to those who had not yet received Jesus in their hearts, but would like to that night.

And who was the very first to respond? To my surprise, walking toward the platform to make his public confession of faith—IT WAS JESUS! Yes, I said JESUS! Jorge, who just minutes before, had so passionately portrayed Christ in the drama was the very first one.

Others followed, and we finished that first Easter service at Villa Mary Church with a great celebration of the risen Christ. I just call it—THE EASTER JESUS GOT SAVED!