“As You Are Going”

I wish I had one of the many great conversion stories that I’ve heard from others while being a minister, such as coming forth that time during a revival or being one of the many youth that night that was baptized together. I didn’t become a minister through the upbringing of a father who was also a minister. On November 28, 2022, I baptized my father at the age of 65.

I ponder a moment and reflect on how I became a gospel preacher of 16 years and an elder in the church and I would like to share with you how one can lead others to a relationship with our Lord by sharing your faith with others as you go!

It wasn’t a gospel preacher’s sermon that led me to the foot of the cross of Jesus. It was two women, my grandmother and my aunt. As a child I recall listening as the morning service would begin and waking when it was over in my grandmother’s lap. Through 30+ years I saw the teachings of Jesus demonstrated in the lives of these two ladies. My grandmother never had the ability to recite scripture from memory, but she taught the principles of the teachings of Jesus through many “Appalachian phrases.” My aunt without a doubt is the most selfless, sacrificing, loving, and forgiving person that I have ever met. She has demonstrated faith following in the example of the feet of Jesus (1 Pet. 2:21).

Unfortunately, my grandmother passed from this life in September of 2006. I owe so much of who I am and what the Lord has blessed me to her. It is my hope that the fruits of my labors will also be accounted to her fruits.

Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:19).” We can also translate this, “As you are going make disciples.” You don’t have to search the world over for an opportunity to share Jesus. The world to you may be the opportunities that you have every day with those in which you encounter. The greatest sermon may be preached by the life that you live!

Shawn D. Slone, Minister

Prestonsburg Church of Christ