(Revised and adapted from The Leonard Street Light)
Glenn McCullough, a faithful Christian, owned a dairy near Tupelo, Mississippi. Mr. A.D. Prince, a salesman from Memphis, regularly called on brother McCullough with dairy supplies. One day Mr. Prince arrived later than normal. McCullough informed Mr. Prince that he was getting ready to attend a Gospel meeting at the church of Christ, so Mr. Prince would have to return the next day. But as the salesman turned to leave, brother McCullough invited him to stay for supper and attend the meeting. Mr. Prince agreed. In fact, he attended that night and two additional nights. Though he learned a great deal, he did not obey the Gospel during those visits.
Months later, Mr. Prince accepted a new job and no longer called on brother McCullough. Years later, however, McCullough read about an honor student at a Christian College named A.D. Prince III. Remembering the salesman from his past, he made several inquiries and discovered that the student was indeed the grandson of the salesman from Memphis. Further investigation revealed that after accepting a new job, A.D. Prince attended a church of Christ revival in Memphis. He was baptized into Christ the first night. Later, he led numerous relatives to the Lord, and eventually became an elder in the church.
Years later, both men were diagnosed with terminal diseases. With only months to live, brother Prince asked his sister to drive him to McCullough's home in Tupelo. After arriving, A.D. Prince said, "I want to thank you for inviting me to the Gospel meeting that night many years ago. If it had not been for your invitation, I probably would never have heard the gospel and become a Christian. It was your invitation that made it possible for my family, my grandchildren, and me to become Christians. I will be forever grateful. Thank you."
Jesus said: "Go therefore into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding" (Matt. 22:9). Never underestimate the power of an invitation. It might just result in the salvation of a lost soul.
Live For The Lord in 2024!
Dennis