Jonathan Herron

Running a Rescue Shop Within a Yard of Hell

"Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell

 

I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell."  (C. T. Studd)

 

To live within the sound of church or chapel bell was not enough for Charles Thomas (C.T.)

 

Studd, (1860-1931), an English missionary to China, India, and Africa. C. T. Studd was born into privilege and wealth, but God had other plans for his life. His father, Edward, was converted after hearing the famous American evangelist Dwight L. Moody speak. Then subsequently, C. T. and his brothers were also converted.

 

 

But, 6 years after C. T.’s conversion, he realized that his commitment to the Lord was lacking and he decided to give everything up, and seek God’s will. He wisely said, "I know that cricket would not last, and honour would not last, and nothing in this world would last, but it was worthwhile living for the world to come."

 

How many people are content to live within the sound of church or chapel bell, but never step foot inside of a church to hear the Gospel message?

Or, how many are content to live within the sound of church bells and attend, but never take the Gospel to heart or share Jesus Christ with others?

They haven’t counted the cost of discipleship, but C. T. Studd did and he chose a life of hardship and sacrifice, because of His commitment to Jesus Christ.

And when others questioned him about the decisions he was making for the sake of the Gospel, he could only reply with these words:

"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” –C. T. Studd

Although salvation through Jesus Christ is a free gift from God given to us by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), it was not without cost to Him.

To be a disciple of Jesus Christ, one must realize the cost of His sacrifice and respond with a commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly; without reservation and whatever the cost.

Additionally, we should want more than to live within the sound of church bells, and be actively involved in helping to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission.

To do so we have to daily surrender ourselves to Him. As a result, we give up our own way of living and submit to His will and rule in our lives:

• Romans 12:1 says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” 
  
  
• Mark 8:34-37 says, “Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?'” 

Great missionaries like C. T. Studd, Hudson Taylor, Jim Elliot and so many more were not content to merely live within the sound of church bells. They gave their lives, and left their homes and families, to be used by the Lord to spread the Gospel.

We also shouldn’t be content to just live within the sound of church bells. We like them, should be passionate about spreading the Gospel; and endure hardship and danger if necessary, so people would be rescued from going to hell. If we can’t, then we should at least support the work of missionaries prayerfully and financially.

As Christians, we can follow in the steps of these great men of faith, by surrendering our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, seeking His will, and living by faith and trusting in Him.

John 12:24-26 says, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.   Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” 

This famous quote from the poem, “Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past” by C.T Studd, is a sober reminder of the brevity of life and that only what’s done for Christ has eternal value:

"Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last." – C. T. Studd

The President and My Grandpa

14 years ago today, my Grandfather spent 5 minutes one-on-one with then-President George W. Bush.  

Set aside your politics for a moment, because this is just a neat, purely American story about my Grandpa Storey.

My Grandpa Roy Storey didn't take his freedom for granted.  He sacrificed a lot to immigrate to the U.S. from India with our family in the 1950's.

14 years ago today, this elderly man who came to the free world met the leader of the free world.
 
My Grandpa Roy was personally honored by the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush.  
 
It's breathtaking for our family that the President spent 5 personal minutes with my Grandpa (all captured by television crews below), tenderly holding his hand, thanking him for his volunteer service, and then motioning over my aunts to join them beside Air Force One.

Original newspaper report from Peoria Journal Star:

When Roy Storey got a call from Washington, D.C., telling him he was going to meet the president of the United States, the Peorian hung up the phone.

"I thought it was the telemarketer," he said with a laugh. "She called back immediately. She said, 'Mr. Storey, I don't want to take your money.'"

The mistake was understandable, and the 85-year-old was elated to learn that President George W. Bush will present him with the President's Volunteer Service Award as he arrives in Peoria on Friday.

"To me it's a big honor," Storey said Wednesday. "It's sort of a surprise - I'm just an old guy, going on with my daily work."

During his six years volunteering with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), "Grandpa Roy," as he's known by students, tries to instill some parental guidance in children who he said have grown up in hard times, much like him.

His earliest memories are of growing up in an orphanage in a little village in the foothills of the Himalayas.

He recalls being beaten by teachers during his time in the orphanage and said he had a very poor education. Through all the hardships, however, he kept his quick wit and work ethic.

"Those values I try to teach the students," he said. "I tell them my stories, I share with them. I'm a very strict mentor."

Storey's tutored more than 100 students a year at three Peoria District 150 schools, Von Steuben, Glen Oak and Hines elementary schools. He teaches reading and math to the 5- and 6-year-olds four days a week and said he's thinking of adding more schools.

"I like to keep busy," he said, adding he can't wait for school to start again.

In addition to the tutoring, he also reads to children at local libraries and has visited area nursing homes.

"It's about trying to make a difference in people's lives," he said. "That's my aim in life."

The president will present the national award during his trip to Peoria for a fundraiser for state Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria, who is running for the 18th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bush has met with more than 650 volunteers since March 2002 as he travels throughout the United States.

In addition to that award, the Illinois Humanities Council, a not-for-profit educational organization, awarded Storey with the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award for his work with RSVP.

RSVP is a program for residents older than 55 to share their skills and life experiences through volunteer service.

Storey said his three daughters are also proud of his upcoming presidential recognition. Two will be joining him for the honor.

"I have to behave myself," said the self-proclaimed prankster.

Pausing long enough to get out a burst of laughter, he added, "I will."

No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets

 

One of my heroes of the faith is the little-known missionary William Borden.

 

William Borden’s funeral took place at The Moody Church in Chicago.

During my college years, I discovered the beauty of the gospel while attending The Moody Church.

Here's something my team filmed a few years back on location.