“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 NKJV
Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV
C.T. Studd was born in England in 1860. His father Edward Studd accepted Christ personally under D.L. Moody and Ira Sankey’s ministry in 1877. Soon, Mr. Moody’s staff shared the gospel with C.T. and his brothers George and Kinny prayerfully, and one at a time each of the three made the decision to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
C.T. dedicated his life to serving the Lord in China, India, and Africa.
When he turned 26 in December 1886, he inherited a fortune from his father and invested it in “the bank of heaven.” He gave 25% to D.L. Moody’s ministry in Chicago to build the Chicago Evangelization Society.
Serving his final years as a missionary in Africa, C.T. Studd died there July 16, 1931. He left behind a poem he had written: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
August 29, 1931, I was born in Mt. Carmel, Illinois (a city on a hill that had been founded by three pastors who had come from Chillicothe, Ohio, determined to try to build a Christian community to share the gospel throughout Southern Illinois, from Mt. Carmel to Cairo – popularly known as “Little Egypt).
From two months old forward, I was under the ministry of pastors who were graduates of Moody Bible Institute, the successor to the Chicago Evangelization Society.
I was born again into God’s forever family in Mt. Carmel in February 1940, at age 8.
March 1940, the congregation’s name became “Grace memorial,” and Scripture Press publications – “The Whole Word for the Whole World” – was consistently utilized.
Music was an important part of my world, growing up. My Mother’s parents had a player piano: when a paper roll was inserted and foot pedals pumped, the piano began playing a song automatically.
When Thomas Edison died in October 1931, he had filed about 1,100 patents – more than anyone. Although he did not invent the original electric lightbulb, he did invent a better and longer lasting one that made the bulb practical for use. He said that his favorite invention made available to the world was the phonograph.
My Dad’s parents had a Victrola, that when a hand crank was wound and a record placed on the turntable would play words and music previously recorded.
At age 16, God gave me a burden to reach my friends for Jesus.
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (Living Bible)
My major purpose in life is to communicate Christianity creatively. The TTT Christian communication center uses multiple means and media to share God’s good news consistently.
At TTT Saturday, October 31, we shared that November is “Global Bible Month,” and encouraged those attending (in person or online) to participate in the 30-day Bible Challenge, studying God’s Word every day during the month of November. Through Global Bible Month, YouVersion and partners, churches, ministries, organizations, familiar brands, and Bible apps are coming together to “unapologetically amplify the transformative impact God’s Word has had across history, nations, and people.”
TTT Christian Youth Ministries is a participating ministry with Global Bible Month, and we continue to partner with Youth Evangelism Association, National Religious Broadcasters, Evangelical Press Association, and others, as our vision continues: Every youth, before turning 20, to hear the Gospel with an invitation to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
As Global Bible Month continues, the TTT Saturday night theme November 14 is “God’s Word is truth.” And November 14 is also to be the next Leading Youth Saturday (beginning at 3 PM), providing evangelism training for students (ages 10-19) and adults (Free registration deadline is 5 PM Thursday, November 12). We’re praying that many more will be challenged and equipped to share the Gospel effectively.
Read and heed God’s Word every day, and let’s continue to go “Together Toward Tomorrow.”
Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV