Our neighbor from across the street was in tears.

When I answered the door, I already knew why. “Johnny’s with Jesus?” I asked, and Wynelle nodded yes. Norma and I headed next door to John’s and Linda’s home. As I stood over his lifeless body, I thanked God for the miracle I had seen just hours before. John was that miracle!

Four months suffering a mystery illness takes a toll. When I first met John as my next-door neighbor, he was in great health. We became friends as Norma and I built a bridge of love to Linda and John—you know like goodies from Norma and my bringing in their trash cans. I told John about my encounter with Jesus and, when the time was right, asked the big question. “John, if you died tonight, where would you spend eternity?” He didn’t know—but he wanted to.

We prayed and John asked Christ to forgive him and become real in his life. Months of slow growth followed. Then John’s health began to fail. He lost his voice. Finally, he couldn’t remember even his wife, Linda, who had prayed for years that John would be saved. A day before he slipped away, I went to his bedside. And that’s when the miracle occurred.

“Johnny, I came to see you. What’s my name?” “Frank,” he answered, as his voice returned. Then he said “I love Jesus,” as Linda wept silently. Up to that moment, John had to be carried everywhere. He hardly moved a limb and recognized no one. But now he reached his arm toward a shocked Linda and took her hand. “And I love my Linda” he added, as God’s very presence enveloped us. Those were his last words—except for one more. “John,” I asked, “do you want to go and be with the Lord?” “Yes!” A few hours later, he entered eternity.

This is why those I disciple learn in a hurry that reaching the lost does not begin across the world or across one’s country.

It begins in one’s own home and with that neighbor next door. There are many like John whom those we teach are also winning to the Lord. After all, that is what life is all about—knowing Jesus and making Him known. Don’t stop praying for and loving your neighbors—and those tough-to-reach family members. God knows how to make Himself real!

Your prayers and support make this work possible. Will you partner again with me this month? We’ll be so grateful for your help.

"Only one life..."

Frank