The Atheist

He was a sharp looking a young man.  It was hard to tell whether he was a teenager or maybe 21 years old.
 
The service was over.  Many lingered at the altar.  As often happens, puddles of tears spotted the cement floor where dozens had been kneeling in prayer.  Most of the people had hugged my neck and with deep emotion thanked me for my one-night visit to their church and their city.

He waited until almost everyone was gone.  I was packing up my Hawaiian guitar and amp on the platform.  I had not noticed him among the crowd previously.  He was obviously shaken emotionally.  He trembled as he spoke. His words still ring in my head and heart.  He hugged me and then pointed to the front door of the church and said, "Tonight I came in that door as an atheist.  I am now going out that same door as an evangelist!"  And the angels of heaven burst into song!  That was Saturday, night before last. 

Last night, Sunday, I was with another man, Mario Morana (Bible in hand) and his lovely wife, Rosana, who were celebrating the 30th anniversary of their church.  An estimated 1,000 people were in attendance. 

35 years ago, 1977, Mario was a teenage kid in a city plaza where we were preaching.  He gave his heart to Jesus along with many of his friends.  The angels burst into song!  His bride to be, Rosana, was only 11 years old and tells me now that she, too, was there in that same plaza surrendering to Jesus during that 30 day crusade.  After graduating from Bible School in 1982 Mario, still single, started the church in downtown Buenos Aires in a tent with our help.  Rosana was 15 years old and played the keyboard for the tent meetings.  I remember overhearing her giving loving, wise counsel to a woman from the street.  I was impressed with this couple long before they were married.

What a celebration last night! Many honored guests!  Gifts, plaques, videos of the past and even a cake!  They honored me and my late darling Frances and gave me a plaque and a beautiful watch! 

What is happening in my life?  I usually write only after midnight.  I have little free time during the day.  Almost every night I am seeing youth crash at the altar and bury themselves in dedication to Christ's service.  Who knows what God may do through these new youth if Jesus tarries another few years?!  Anniversaries!  Gifts!  Hey, angels, get ready to celebrate with more singing!  For many more lost sinners will soon be bowing low at the foot of the cross! 

Any time now I hope to join that heavenly choir.  But until then my heart will beat for the lost and the hopeless... and especially the young!

Ralph