S
savone
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During their lives, there are persons who can count among their blessings, fathers. Other persons have been deprived of this, yet have experienced those who have been “fatherly” to them and for whom they are grateful. In honor of these men and to the glory of Almighty God, this thread is established for the sharing of your favorite story or tribute.
As a youth, I not only longed for a father; I also wished that God would send me a Christian one. The Lord answered my prayers in many ways. This is one of them.
One day, a member of our congregation and I met on the street. He was a friendly, caring person. As we talked, a man approached us. He excused himself for interrupting us and wondered if we could help him with a little money for something to eat. My friend, let’s call him Max, asked that the man , let’s call him Jesus, “You need for something to eat.” Jesus replied that he did.
(I was a rather “stupid” kid, especially when it came to “living a Christian life.” Having heard the Gospels and sermons about Jesus stating we ought to feed the hungry, I believed that’s what we ought to do. Occasionally, different men would stop me and ask if I had any change for “something to eat.” Since I rarely had any money, I would give them my lunch money. By the time of this incident, I had discovered that at least some of them were really wanting money to buy alcohol. So, I was very curious to see how Max would respond to Jesus).
Max indicated that Jesus was to follow him. Turing, the three of us went to a nearby diner. As Jesus took a seat at the counter, Max asked how did some soup and a sandwich sound. So, Jesus ordered a bowl of soup and a sandwich. Max asked about coffee which was fine with Jesus. Max asked Jesus if he liked apple pie, a fresh one being displayed in a case. Jesus smiled broadly, “Why, sure!”
As Jesus ate, Max went to the front of the diner and paid the bill, leaving a tip for the waitress. Then, he returned to Jesus and asked him if he’d like a pack cigarettes (Then, this had a very different connotation then this gesture does now). Max then gave him some money for these and another meal.
Max asked Jesus if he was looking for work. Jesus replied that he was. Max wrote his name and telephone number on a piece of paper and gave it to Jesus. “Give me a call. I can’t make any promises about what it will be, but if you’re interested in work, I’m sure we can find some for you.” Jesus was nearly speechless and tears filled his eyes. He thanked Max and me, saying how fortunate I was to have such a kind father!
With this, Max and I left the diner. What was said, afterwards, I don’t recall. My mind was over come with what had transpired and that Jesus thought I was Max’s son. I often thought, if I ever had a father, I sure wish he could have been like Max.
Over the years, I lost track of Max. Later on, having returned to my hometown to live, I learned that Max had died. I never told him about the impact of that day, as well as others, on a very impressionable youth and to thank him. I do so now. “Thank you, Max!” Thank you, Oh Lord our God, for sending those faithful Christian men into my life who, though not able to entirely fill the void; nevertheless, exemplified some of the best of fatherhood.
As a youth, I not only longed for a father; I also wished that God would send me a Christian one. The Lord answered my prayers in many ways. This is one of them.
One day, a member of our congregation and I met on the street. He was a friendly, caring person. As we talked, a man approached us. He excused himself for interrupting us and wondered if we could help him with a little money for something to eat. My friend, let’s call him Max, asked that the man , let’s call him Jesus, “You need for something to eat.” Jesus replied that he did.
(I was a rather “stupid” kid, especially when it came to “living a Christian life.” Having heard the Gospels and sermons about Jesus stating we ought to feed the hungry, I believed that’s what we ought to do. Occasionally, different men would stop me and ask if I had any change for “something to eat.” Since I rarely had any money, I would give them my lunch money. By the time of this incident, I had discovered that at least some of them were really wanting money to buy alcohol. So, I was very curious to see how Max would respond to Jesus).
Max indicated that Jesus was to follow him. Turing, the three of us went to a nearby diner. As Jesus took a seat at the counter, Max asked how did some soup and a sandwich sound. So, Jesus ordered a bowl of soup and a sandwich. Max asked about coffee which was fine with Jesus. Max asked Jesus if he liked apple pie, a fresh one being displayed in a case. Jesus smiled broadly, “Why, sure!”
As Jesus ate, Max went to the front of the diner and paid the bill, leaving a tip for the waitress. Then, he returned to Jesus and asked him if he’d like a pack cigarettes (Then, this had a very different connotation then this gesture does now). Max then gave him some money for these and another meal.
Max asked Jesus if he was looking for work. Jesus replied that he was. Max wrote his name and telephone number on a piece of paper and gave it to Jesus. “Give me a call. I can’t make any promises about what it will be, but if you’re interested in work, I’m sure we can find some for you.” Jesus was nearly speechless and tears filled his eyes. He thanked Max and me, saying how fortunate I was to have such a kind father!
With this, Max and I left the diner. What was said, afterwards, I don’t recall. My mind was over come with what had transpired and that Jesus thought I was Max’s son. I often thought, if I ever had a father, I sure wish he could have been like Max.
Over the years, I lost track of Max. Later on, having returned to my hometown to live, I learned that Max had died. I never told him about the impact of that day, as well as others, on a very impressionable youth and to thank him. I do so now. “Thank you, Max!” Thank you, Oh Lord our God, for sending those faithful Christian men into my life who, though not able to entirely fill the void; nevertheless, exemplified some of the best of fatherhood.