Leigh Ann Hoster, 18, worked in Seminole, Oklahoma at the Wrangler Blue Jeans Plant. Immediately after work one Wednesday afternoon, Leigh Ann was moved to go to the First Baptist Church to attend services. When the pastor of the congregation called for the unsaved to come forward to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, Leigh Ann did so enthusiastically and without hesitation.
Within seconds, Leigh Ann stood in front of the pastor ready to do whatever she needed to do to become a follower of Christ. The pastor listened intently as she told the cleric that she had now accepted Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior and Master of her life.
Looking upon Leigh Ann, the pastor said to himself, “Gosh, her hair is a mess, she smells like she’s been working in a garment factory, and she has blue strains all over her shirt and pants. Man, should be the laughing stock of my church! If I accepted her as a member of this church and congregation what would most of my members think? I might have a hard time find support for my church.” Then the thought came to the pastor who quietly told Leigh Ann, “child why don’t you take a little more time to consider Jesus’ calling to you. Okay? “So Leigh Ann did as the pastor suggested and prayed at work and home about her salvation.
A week passed and just as before Leigh Ann was back in church ready to give her life to Christ. She came forward to tell the pastor that she had prayed five times a day every day for a week to find out if she wanted to pursue a Christian walk in life. Just as it was the week before, Leigh Ann was now absolutely certain she wanted to be a follower of the Lord and do His bidding. Once again, however, the pastor told the enthusiastic woman that the spirit of the Lord did not seem to be moving in her life. He also told her she need to pray and fast for a week then return the following week.
A month later while shopping in the local Seminole Wal-Mart Department Store, the pastor saw Leigh Ann pushing a cart just a couple of feet in front of him. Not wanting to appear as though he was trying to avoid her, he acted like he was shopping for an item until she came up to him.
“Howdy, Leigh Ann! How are you? How are you doin’? We’ve missed you at First Baptist! Will we see you soon?”
“Pastor, the most wonderful thing happened during one of my prayer session with the Lord. He told me that every thing was fine and not be troubled about being able to be baptized into your congregation.”
“You talked to the Lord? Really? What did He say to you?” the pastor asked sarcastically.
“The Lord old me He’s tried for years to get into your church and hasn’t made it yet either! So I’m not to worry!”
Read more articles by Stephen A. Peterson or search for articles on the same topic or others.
