“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV
The second Mt. Carmel Youth for Christ rally was held at the Lutheran Church facility as part of a week of prayer. The speaker that Saturday night chose Romans 12:1-2 as his text.
Mary Greer and I had both been chosen by our pastors as student YFC council participants. Mary and I were sitting together, and it was that text that grabbed our hearts. The speaker invited those listening to fully dedicate their lives to Christ, and to come and kneel at the altar to pray. Mary leaned over to me, asking, “Will you go with me?” It was January 1949.
Although Mary and I had both been believers on the Lord Jesus Christ for some time, from that night forward we were ready to serve the Lord together.
The Valentine I gave her February 14 said, “George and Mary, youth for Christ – serving the King of kings; taking the glorious Gospel of God to unsaved human beings.”
As I was about to enroll in Greenville College that fall, I gave Mary an engagement ring. Easter Sunday 1950, we met with each of our parents separately to ask for their blessing to be married in June, and then to transfer to Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. It was a real joy when each of our parents gave us their blessings.
Praying together, we chose as our life’s verse Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
At Bob Jones, a “preacher boys class” requirement was practical Christian service. Because of our Youth for Christ experience, I was quickly asked to assist the student director of Hendersonland Youth for Christ, meeting each Saturday at the Henderson County, North Carolina courthouse. Involved in the music ministry for the rallies, Mary was asked to play an old-fashioned pump organ.
Commenting on 1 Peter 2:9-10 in the Wiersbe Study Bible, Warren W. Wiersbe wrote: “We belong to one family of God and share the same divine nature. We are living stones in one building and priests serving in one temple. We are citizens of the same heavenly homeland. Jesus Christ is the source and center of this unity. If we center our attention and affection on Him, we will walk and work together.”
Because Mary and I did not have a car, we rode with Paul Figuly (the BJU senior we were assisting with Youth for Christ) around the hairpin curves on US 25 from Greenville to Hendersonville each Saturday. Paul and his wife Angie, and their little daughter Becky, “took a liking to us,” giving us many opportunities to interact with special people who would prove to be friends for a lifetime.
“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. The truthful lip shall be established forever, … counselors of peace have joy.” Proverbs 12:17-20 NKJV
“Leading Youth Resource Information Connections” propel TTT’s mission and vision forward. The basic purpose of every resource is to enhance God’s Word: “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV
When I enrolled as a student at Bob Jones University, the first requirement was to memorize the University creed, which began: “I believe in the inspiration of the Bible, both the Old and New Testament; the creation of man by the direct act of God …”
“Hosanna Highway,” to be implemented each Saturday at TTT – March 1 through May 3 – communicates God’s plan of redemption throughout His Word, from creation through the Gospel everywhere.
My daughter Tami, as president of TTT Christian Youth Ministries and Youth Evangelism Association, consistently participates in continuing professional education. In a recent conference, it was shared artificial intelligence is rapidly accelerating Bible translation.
Saturday, March 8, youth evangelism training is being made available for teenagers, preteens, and adult youth workers, challenging and equipping to “give the light.”
“Behold now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV
When you personally “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” you are the light of the world. To whom will you proclaim the light?