By Bert L. Jones
I enjoyed preaching this summer at Bentleyville campmeeting for their 150th anniversary. One morning during prayer meeting as I was kneeling at the altar, I was reminded of the impact of the camp meetings and this particular camp in my own life.
My grandparents and parents were active serving in the camp, and when I was 14 years old an evangelist gave a challenge to the young people to serve the Lord in the ministry. My heart was stirred that night, and I answered the call to preach. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I went forward and knelt at this altar and prayed. I told the Lord I would go anywhere and do anything, anytime he wanted. Little did I know then, that starting there, the Lord would allow me to pastor seven different churches in five states, serve in three mission organizations that would allow me to preach the gospel in 29 different states and in 33 different countries on five different continents. He also has allowed me to help write three books.
God will take you places on your journey that you never dreamed possible if you will just say YES to his will. I’ve enjoyed kneeling at this altar again each morning this week, thanking God for his faithfulness in my life. God is good. It was meaningful to pray at that same altar this summer that I prayed at nearly 36 years ago. I’m still committed to that simple prayer: “Lord, I’ll go anywhere, to do anything you want, anytime you want it. I’m excited to still be on the journey and committed to challenging others to say “yes” to the Lord.
