“Make sure they know who you are! Put your Bible books on your bookshelf. And don’t forget to read your Bible regularly!” I did as Bro. Harry Whittaker instructed, and never regretted it. Yes, my college roommate thought I was a bit weird, but my bookshelf now provided a constant reminder about what was important in my life. The habit of daily Bible reading I determined to put into practice paid handsome dividends.
It is interesting how making such a simple statement can set the course of one’s life. When I suggested having a Bible class with some who were attracted to my interest in the Bible, there was a ready response. This first attempt at a Bible class didn’t last long, but my love for reading and talking about the Bible did become known by many. I was affectionately called the “Bible Thumper” by one student. (Disclaimer: This name really arose because of my habit of taking several steps at a time up the wooden stairs to my dorm room.)
It is strange how things worked out. The student who gave me my ‘handle’, also was friends with a Catholic named Paul in another part of the dorm. He told him that he ought to come talk with me about the Bible. And that was the beginning of an incredible experience watching God at work!
Paul, it turns out, had come to the university from a seminary where he had been training to be a priest. He had one unique conviction that set him apart from most Catholics: he strongly believed the Bible was the final source of belief, not the Pope. As we talked about Bible teaching, Paul began to see for himself what was written. It took a summer of contemplation and soul-searching, but his heart was convinced. With real joy at the amazing, transforming work of God, I was privileged to witness Paul’s baptism the following spring.
Paul and I started doing the Bible readings together each night in his dorm room. What started out with just the two of us began to spread. With absolute amazement I watched others begin to fill his room, and later the room of my future wife, night after night just to read and discuss God’s Word. Didn’t they have homework? And in all of this, while I commented about what we read, it was God who really did the talking. It was truly a humbling experience to watch Him at work.
As interest in the message of the Bible grew among some of these students, a weekly Bible class was set up to teach the Gospel in a systematic and compelling wary. I grew personally from this effort, always thankful for the written works of other brethren who helped me in this process. Bro. Harry was also a constant source of encouragement. I mention this that older brethren might realize just how important they can be in the life of a young person seeking to share the Bible with others in a university environment. Harry’s understanding and support carried me through many times of discouragement.
By the grace of God I was able to continue this preaching work immediately after graduating from the university by obtaining employment in the same area (my alternative service as a conscientious objector). In all, I was privileged to witness over 11 young people decide to follow the Lord Jesus through the waters of baptism. Over the intervening years, I have been privileged to see the Faith grow and mature in some of these, and now in their children, zealous and eager for the ways of God like their parents.
I learned an important lesson from this experience: God doesn’t need great people with fantastic preaching or teaching abilities (which I definitely did not have); He needs ordinary people, ones who are willing to give themselves to Him in whatever capacity or service they can. God can fill in all that we know is missing in ourselves to accomplish wonderful things!
You do need courage, though, as you need to mark out from the very beginning what you believe to be most important in your life. This means facing possible embarrassment, being identified as one of those “religious” types, and perhaps finding that some may not consider your company very interesting. But on the other side, those who do have a religious bent or curiosity will be drawn by God in your direction. That is how God works.
My advice to young people going to college or embarking on a career: Don’t forget Bro. Harry’s advice. Unashamedly, let the people around you know who you really are in your love and devotion to God, His Son, and His precious Words of Life. You will never regret it.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One