Eternal Investments

We consider the plight of young Russell, a soul barely arrived at the age of fifteen years, and the eighth of ten children born to his parents—his heart already burdened by the recent loss of his seventh sibling. The circumstances of his dwelling are a solemn matter for reflection: their humble, cramped shelter is shared not only by his numerous brethren and his mother but also by his eldest brother and his nascent family. Worse, the very head of this household, his father, is alas, given over to the deplorable affliction of the drink, placing a heavy burden upon them all. This young boy, in the face of such adversity, labors diligently, performing the menial task of assisting travelers with their groceries to the public tricycles. For this honest toil, he gathers a meager stipend of three dollars each day. Upon observing his commendable industry, I offered a solemn encouragement, recalling a time in my own life's trial when I had only secured three dollars for an entire week's labor. Thus, I revealed that God, in His present kindness, allows this boy a greater daily portion than I was once granted, demonstrating how the faithful are ever sustained even amidst great temporal woe.

In stark contrast to his diligent brother, stood young Felix, a child barely over ten years of age. I watched as he sat some distance away, employing the very means of salvation—a Gospel tract he had secured—only to playfully tear it to shreds, intent upon converting it into a  paper plane. My eyes also observed Russell himself, not yet fully delivered from the light amusements of boyhood, as he was skillfully fashioning tops from discarded soda caps. I waited there patiently outside the grocery, expecting the arrival of Tina, yet all the while uttering a silent prayer that the LORD, in His mercy, would lead a receptive soul unto me. Seeing this moment ripe for intervention, I motioned toward Russell, humbly asking if I might join their small company. He came forthwith and sat beside me, and we began to converse upon the subject of his daily, arduous labor. By the grace of the Holy Spirit, I was then enabled to gently steer the conversation away from the fleeting matters of this world and toward the only Name that brings eternal salvation: the blessed Name of Jesus.

Indeed, there is a heavenly refreshment granted unto the soul when one is engaged in converse with such precious young spirits! It is a blessed interval where I may lay my guard down and speak freely in the simple nursery language that their young minds may grasp. There is no need for scholarly language; the fellowship becomes a simple communion, heart to heart, soul to soul, as an adult speaking truth to a child. Our humble discourse—directed by the Spirit—moved swiftly beyond the cares of mere temporal labor and the gaining of pence. We spoke of their family and the fleeting nature of man's existence, touching upon the great mysteries of life, death, and the universal plague of sin. Finally, by the illumination of grace, we came to the very core of all hope: how a loving God sent His Only-Begotten Son, what that Son—our dear Christ—hath wrought upon the Cross of Calvary, and the glorious, secure hope for all those who in Christ.

Finding a quiet moment, I then addressed young Felix, disclosing gently that I had observed him earlier tearing the Gospel tract . Immediately, he was ashamed, and offered a heartfelt apology for his carelessness. He yet held the pieces of the shattered Word in his hand, and in a sweet display of penitence, began the earnest, though futile, task of mending the fragments. Such a sweet boy. I sought then to console both their hearts, assuring them: "I do not expect that you remember every word spoken today. But that the Word of God is like a tiny, living seed, now being faithfully planted in the fertile ground of your young souls. And one day, when you have reached your full stature, our Heavenly Father will assuredly send another of His redeemed children to remind you of this very conversation." At this truth, a radiant smile of understanding brightened Russell's face. 

As my dear helpmeet arrived to join me, a glow rested upon the countenances of the children as we prepared to part ways. Young Russell, whose spirit the Lord had prepared to receive instruction, was blessed with the sacred gift of a Bible to carry back to his humble dwelling , given alongside the temporal assistance intended for his burdened family. The sweet simplicity of his repeated thanks became a melody playing over and over in my thankful heart, a testament to the Spirit’s work. As we rode home, I watched him from afar, his hand waving gleefully in the purest expression of innocent joy. Thus, we left them in the Lord's hand, trusting that the seed, the Word, and the hope had been securely planted in that unlikely corner, ready for the great day of the future harvest.