I think mine did!

The preaching of my minister and the youth opportunities in our church simply were missing me in the struggles of being a teenager.  Not so with church camp; not so with family commitments, not so with my best friendships, and not so with the leadership opportunities that came my way.  I admired the pastoral ministry of my Grandfather.  I respected the religious commitment of my mother and family.  I found that the personal friendships and group activities that could be relied upon in tough times were those I made through church activities.  I found that the people who showed the most interest in me, in who I was and who I might become, were friends from church related activities.

I realized that the things I enjoyed doing and did best, the people who accepted and challenged me the most, the way of living that made real sense to me, the inspiration found in worshipping God-- all  these came together. I said to myself -- "Do I want to be a part of meaningful relationships and purposeful activities for the rest of my life?"  I really struggled with that question and all of its implications until one evening in the closing consecration service at church conference, in the final friendship circle, the person leading said, "Is there any one here who wants to commit his or her life to full time Christian service?"  To this day I'm not sure who answered that call.  I believe it was the love of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, because I could not keep my feet from moving forward nor my words from coming out;  with the response: "Yes, Lord, can you use me?" Since that wonderful night my life has been in constant preparation and response -- prayerfully, first a disciple and second a servant, seemingly --
"I can do no other!"

Love in our Lord, Hal