Read: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 9:37; 16:15
Hudson dribbled his basketball up the driveway, aiming for the hoop above the garage. As the ball swished through the net, he glanced next door. The new girl was at the window again. She always seemed to be watching, especially on weekends when his family left for church.
One afternoon, Hudson was riding his bike up and down the street when he spotted her kicking a football. As he zoomed past, she gave him a shy wave. Hudson stopped his bike and smiled. “Hi,” he said. “I’m Hudson.”
“I’m Sami,” she said shyly. “Do you want to kick the ball with me?”
Hudson hesitated, but then nodded. “I’ll ask my mum.”
With permission to stay for an hour, he followed Sami into her garden. They kicked the ball back and forth, laughing as they tried trick shots. After a while, Sami tilted her head. “So…why are you always dressed up on the weekends?” she asked. “And why do you and your family carry black books?”
Hudson scratched his neck. “Oh…hmm…well…that’s because we go to church. The black book is the Bible.”
Sami’s eyes widened. “I’ve never been to a church. What’s it like?”
“It’s nice.” Hudson relaxed. “We sing songs, read the Bible, and learn about Jesus.”
Sami kicked the ball gently. “Jesus…what’s so special about Him?”
Hudson thought for a moment. “Well, He’s God’s Son, and He loves us. He came to earth and died and then rose from the dead to save us. That’s why we want to know Him more.”
Sami nodded slowly. “Sounds interesting. Can I ask my mum if I can go with you one day?”
Hudson’s heart thumped with excitement. “Yeah! That’d be cool.”
A few days later, Sami peeked over the fence. “Hey, Hudson!” she called. “Mum said I can go with you to church!”
When Sunday morning arrived, a knock on the door startled Hudson. He opened it to find Sami standing there in a bright yellow dress, beaming. “Ready?” she asked.
Hudson grinned. “Yep! Let’s go.”
As they drove to church, he felt a warm feeling inside. He was glad he hadn’t been too embarrassed to talk about Jesus. Maybe this was the beginning of Sami giving her heart to God.
–Esther Espinoza
How about you? Have you ever felt shy talking about Jesus? Don’t be embarrassed to talk about Him. You never know whose heart you might touch. Jesus wants us to share His love and truth with others so more people can know about Him and live in heaven with Him one day. Sharing your faith is a powerful way to show God’s love to the world. Trust Him to help you tell others about Jesus.
Today’s key verse: I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16 (NIV)
Today’s key thought: Sharing Jesus brings joy and hope
