As we prayed and started our little church it was interesting to receive the reactions of different people.

It was obvious to me how some people would smile at you and courteously ask you how things were going with the church and really mean it. When they would ask, you felt deep inside that they wanted the cause of Christ to spread and were, like the angels in heaven, rejoicing that a group of serious people were seeking the face of God.

On the other hand, there were those whom you felt were saying, “I hope you and the cause of Christ fail.” My friend sent me an e-mail that best portrays this idea. It was entitled “If we all but would.”

“A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.

“The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back. Every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said: `This will make it better.' Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line.

“Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know this one thing. What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.”

At various spiritual junctions at our church we read a document that is in our charter entitled “The Charge.” I would like to share it with you. It was written by a young black pastor in Zimbabwe three days before the Communists overran his village and murdered him.

He wrote: “I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. For my past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.

“I am finished and done with low living, cheap talking, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. I no longer need prominence, prosperity, positions, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. For now I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.

“My faith is set, my gate is fast, my goal is heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, and my guide reliable — my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate with the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

“I won't give up, let up, shut up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus, I must go until He comes, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He stops me. When he comes for his won, He will have no problem recognizing me, for my banner will be clear!”

The Rev. Dr. Knox Herndon is the pastor of His House Community Church (SBC) and a substitute school teacher in the Fayette County school system, and a former Army chaplain. The church is currently meeting in the American Legion Log Cabin across from the fountain on the Square in Fayetteville. Prayer line 770-719-2365; e-mail Khern2365@aol.com

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