Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Sunday School (10/25/07)
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TITLE: Barbie's Friend Jesus | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jennie Atkins
10/31/07 -
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Jack is my uncle by marriage. He was being recognized for his fifty years as a Sunday school teacher. Over the years, I have had the pleasure to be one of his many students. He loved his God and it showed in his teaching.
Jack struggled to his feet and feebly made his way down the isle. His step was slow but his smile lit up his face, a face that belied his eighty plus years. Pastor Bill wrapped Jack in a hug and thanked him for his service. He handed Jack the microphone and motioned for him to sit down.
Jack's eyes took on a faraway look. You could tell he was crossing the boundaries of time as everyone waited for him to speak. "When I was a little guy, about the size of my grandson here," waiving his hand at six year old Jimmy in the front row. "The little girl next store came rushing over chattering about the new friend she had made at church. She was so excited her curls bounced as she spoke,” he moved his hand up and down by his ear. “She was determined that I meet her new found friend."
He stopped and smiled. "That little girl was Barbie." Barbie was his lifelong friend and wife of nearly sixty years. She passed away last year from a stroke and Jack missed her terribly.
Jack continued, "Barbie convinced my parents to let me go to Sunday school with her. Every Sunday I was there by her side and it was in that school room with Barbie sitting there holding my hand that I accepted Christ into my heart when I was eight years old."
He paused and you could have heard a pin drop. Everyone was waiting for the story to continue, and continue it did. "Barbie and I went to church with her parents all through our school years until I was called into the service."
"When I came back I was a bit of a hellion. I had seen a lot of things that people should not have to see." He stopped and took a deep breath. "If it weren't for Barbie, I may still be lost. She encouraged me to come back to church with her. We went back to Sunday school and it was there that I once again gave my life over to God with Barbie holding my hand. Soon afterwards, we were married and Jackie, Terry, and Anna were born. It was then that I was asked to lead the young adult Sunday school." He chuckled. "I thought they were crazy, but Barbie said she would help and she kept her promise."
He shifted in his seat then continued. "During those years when I had to work two jobs to make ends meet she'd sit right alongside of me while I studied. She offered suggestions and insight that always made me look good. There were times I wanted to quit, but she encouraged me to do just one more Sunday. She wanted more than anything to introduce our students to her friend Jesus."
His chin started to quiver as he looked up at Pastor Bill. "Pastor, this recognition doesn't belong to me.” He paused to collect himself. “It should have gone to my Barbie. If it weren't for a loving God and her lifelong encouragement, I wouldn't be here today."
There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
The following morning we received a call that Jack had passed away in his sleep. We were sad and happy at the same time. We would miss him and his wisdom but we knew he was now dancing on streets of gold with his Barbie and her friend Jesus.
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