The Night Cometh

I took an invitation to my "chicken lady," (as I affectionately call the sweet lady who sells me chicken) for our Daily Vacation Bible School. She kindly took it and said she'd give it to her daughter, who has young children.

For many months I have been praying for her and inviting her to church events; and yet she has never come.

From the very first morning of our VBS, every day, a middle-aged lady brought a little 7-year-old girl, Keira, who was so enthusiastic about everything.  She learned the Bible verses and songs; sat and listened intently to the Bible stories that were told; and answered questions when called upon.  Who was this little girl, and to whom did she belong?

She accepted Christ as her Saviour that week.  She sat on the front row on Sunday, the day of the closing exercises.

As I was walking out of church on Sunday morning after the closing exercises, one of the men in our church stopped me and said, "I want you to meet my neighbor.  He came with his granddaughter."  As I talked to this kind gentleman, I realized he was my "chicken lady's" husband!  He is Keira's grandfather!

I was so excited and rejoiced in my heart for this blessing of knowing that Keira is my "chicken lady's" granddaughter.  What an open door!

So yesterday I went to visit my friend.  I told her how blessed we were to have had Keira in our Bible School this year, and how much fun she'd had.  My friend told me that every day, Keira came home from VBS just bubbling over with excitement and couldn't wait to go back the next day.  She told me, "Keira loves the Bible, and she loves when someone takes her to church.  We are Catholic, and my daughter does not like to take her to church."

I told my friend that while Keira is young and has a desire for the Word of God, she should be taken to church and instructed in the things of the Lord.  I told her, "There comes a time in the lives of young people when their hearts are turned toward other things, and while Keira is young, she should be brought to church."

As I have meditated upon our conversation, I realize how quickly the night is coming.  We have a small window of opportunity to witness to our friends and neighbors.  It is when God lays someone upon our hearts that we should be prompt in responding to the Lord's leading.

I ask you to pray for this family.  There are so many more just like Keira who came to VBS this year.  Our work has just begun as we, as a church, seek to reach out to these families and try to disciple them and get them grounded in the Word of God.

How about you, Dear Reader?  Has the Lord laid someone upon your heart to whom you should witness?  I urge you to be obedient to the Lord's leading.  Don't let another day go by.  The night cometh when no man can work.