“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 NKJV
“Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors.” Proverbs 8:1-3 NKJV
Sitting alone in 1962 praying, I asked God to show me His will for my life. Endeavoring to listen to God’s still voice, soon I wrote: “My major purpose in life is to communicate Christianity … I intend to give the opportunity to receive God’s gift of eternal life to my contemporaries. I intend to publicly present the plan of salvation and the challenge of complete surrender to as many persons as possible, and to extend and multiply this ministry by establishing a … Christian communications center.” The plan encompassed providing training and giving opportunities for Christian service to young people who can catch the vision, and utilizing multiple means and media to present the plan of salvation with an invitation to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” The concluding statement I wrote over 60 years ago: “Using this plan, I will allow Christ through me to change my world!”
To accomplish God’s purpose for our lives, He has a divine way to connect people at the right place at the right time.
Earlier, in January 1960, in the initial issue of “The Gospelizer,” I wrote: “Recently, I have noted a new sense of urgency on the part of servants of the Lord. The theme ‘now or never’ seems to prevail almost universally among dedicated Christians.”
“The Gospelizer” was mailed to the chairman of every Christian Businessmen’s Committee in America and to every Youth for Christ director.
Being interviewed for the possibility of becoming director of advertising and circulation for Youth for Christ magazine, I met with the magazine committee. Dave Breese, then director of Chicagoland Youth for Christ, said: “So, George, you are the one who produces The Gospelizer?”
Dave Breese and I “clicked” immediately and began serving the Lord together.
Dave shared with me the concept he called “Christian Destiny.”
God again placed me at the right place and at the right time to assist Dave Breese in publishing his book “Discover Your Destiny” in 1965.
In the preface of “Discover Your Destiny,” Breese wrote: “Purpose is the key. It is the key to the rightness or wrongness of any action. It is implicit in any fulfillment the human personality can know. … The difference between things and people is the power of choice. … Things do not discern or choose their purpose for being, whereas people can, indeed they must, do both.”
February 5, 1966, we opened the door of the house on 2 1/3 acres that God was providing. That first Saturday, with two teenagers and a few adults, I promised: “God willing, we will be here every Saturday for the next 30 years.”
Saturday, February 7 was a meaningful “Rendezvous” celebration of God’s faithfulness through 60 years (and counting) of the ministries of TTT. It was a blessing to reconnect with alumni and friends, in person and online, sharing significant memories of what God has done during our first 60 years, and anticipating what He will do as we go Together Toward Tomorrow.
In “Focus on the Future,” Dr. Tim Clinton says: “The future is bright, the victories are destined, and great things await the faithful who prepare.”
Leading Youth Evangelism training will be available the second Saturday monthly (3 pm through TTT Saturday night), beginning February 14.
Pastors and youth leaders of Bible believing congregations are invited to attend and/or send willing adults and students (ages 10-19) to be trained and equipped to be involved with Fair Share, going with the Gospel to up to 13 Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky county fairs and street festivals this summer.
TTT Christian Youth Ministries follows 10 “Faith Factors” week by week. Number one: “Pray without ceasing” … “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NKJV
For 10 Saturdays (February 14 – April 18), “Hosanna Highway” will creatively communicate God’s plan of redemption throughout His Word – Creation, the Fall, Judgment, the Promise, Lamb of God, Hosanna, Cross, Resurrection, Great Commission, and Gospel Everywhere.
“The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)
Let’s go down Hosanna Highway by faith, personalizing the invitation: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”