Leadership

---

A 14-year-old orphan boy lived in the early 1900’s, New York. He was not known to anyone, for they wanted nothing to do with a street rat. However, this young man was nothing compared to the other orphans. He was kind and honest, and never stole anything. Every once in a while, some rich visitor would give him a few small coins, which he used to buy some scraps of food.
No one knew this, but he once lived with his wealthy family. A governess had taught him how to read and write, as well as how to do simple math problems. But one day, his mother and father left during the night, abandoning the poor creature. The old and selfish governess turned him over to the streets with nothing but the clothes on his back.

Eli Joelson, for that was his name, never healed from his wounds. But he believed that one day, his family will come back, and they will live happily ever after.

He had loved books since he was five years old. But every time he visited the old corner bookstore, he was chased away by the unkind owner. But over time, he saw the bookstore bought by a grandfatherly old man. Hoping that this man will let him at least look at the book covers, he sauntered over one spring day.

Because he was too occupied reading the books on display, he did not notice the shopkeeper coming up behind him.

"Hello, young man!" the man greeted.

Eli whirled around. "Mr. ..." he glanced at the sign. "Mr. Oystermine! I...I'm so sorry...I didn't mean to bother you...I was just looking!"

Laughing at the fear in the boy's eyes, Mr. Neilsen Jerusalem Oystermine replied, "It's okay. Everyone is welcome to the Olde Manuscripts. And call me Neilsen. I'm not very fond of people calling me ‘Mr.’ what’s your name?"

"Eli Joelson, sir," the boy seemed to have relaxed now.

"Well, Eli, what brings you here? I suppose you know how to read?"

"Oh yes, sir. I was taught by a governess when I was living with my...my..." Eli couldn't bring himself to say the word.

Neilsen, wise because of his many years, understood what the boy had gone through. He had noticed the boy’s shabby attire and forlorn expression, not to mention the smudges of dirt on his cheeks. After a few minutes of silence, he excused himself into his store. He returned a few minutes later, holding a big, black book.

"Here, take this as a friendship gift!" he smiled at the boy.

"Oh, Mr. Oyster--Neilsen! I can't take it. Why, a book like that must cost 75 cents!" Eli was shocked and taken aback. No one had ever been so kind!

Neilsen laughed. He knew how to handle these situations. "I insist. It is considered very rude to not accept a gift given to you by your elders. Besides, I will not welcome you here anymore if you don't take it."

"V...very well sir. I'll take it. But only because you made threats at me!" Eli took the gift from Neilsen's warm, comforting hands. "Thank you very much!"

"No problem. Now, this book has all sorts of stories and poems. I am sure you will enjoy them all. Of course, they are very exciting as well."

A customer then approached the elderly man. "I'm sorry, but I have to get back to work now. Come back after you read some of it, all right?"

"Will do," was the happy response. "Many thanks again, sir!"

With that, Eli and Neilsen parted.

~*~

A week passed before Eli returned to Olde Manuscripts. Neilsen saw him right away, and stepped out to meet him. After greetings were exchanged, Eli got right to the point.

"Neilsen, I've been reading this book for the last seven days, and I realized that it is as engaging as you said. But, as I read the last few parts, I read about a man who was put to death, though he did nothing wrong. I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and conviction. Why is that?"

Neilsen took off his gold rimmed spectacles. "Well," he started, "I might as well tell you the truth. This is a Bible, which Christians consider God’s Word. The man who died was Jesus Christ, who is considered the Savior."

Eli's eyes grew wide. "I never knew that the Christians' Holy Book was so exciting! Is it true...the...the kings, queens, princes, the giant, the Creation...well, just about everything. Is it true?"

"Of course it is! Every word of it!"

"And I suppose you are a Christian, Mr. Oyster--Neilsen?" Eli wanted to know.

"Well, I wouldn't be if I didn't give you the Bible!" Neilsen had a twinkle in his eye. "Back to your question. The Bible has a tendency to make you feel that way. You see, Jesus was perfect. He was the only Son of God. Seeing that all these people have fallen short of the glory of God..."
Neilsen proceeded to spend a little time sharing the Good News with the youngster.

“…and that is why we can obtain eternal life.” Neilsen concluded.

“Wow…that’s amazing…” Eli had tears brimming in his eyes. “Y…you know, it seems that life as a Christian will change my…my…life…Can I receive Salvation? I’d like to believe in Jesus.”

Neilsen felt hallelujahs rising in his throat. “Of course! Let’s pray right now for your new faith.”
The two kneeled down right there in the cobbled stone street, in front of the humble corner bookstore. They prayed for Eli’s new belief, and that he will continue to grow in understanding. When they finished, Eli’s tears had finally spilled over.

“Thank you Neilsen!” he cried. “I felt like a huge burden was lifted off my back. I AM FREE!”
“Yes, Eli, I am so happy for you! This is to be the happiest day of your life. You will always remember this day as the day Christ entered your heart.”

Neilsen stopped, deep in thought. “You know, Eli, I am often lonely living by myself. Would you like to stay with me and become my son?”

Eli’s spirit was practically soaring. No one had been so kind ever since he had his family! “I will, Neilsen. Thank you for all you have done for me. I am forever in your debt.”

“No, Eli. You are forever in the Lord’s debt. It was He who ransomed you, and you know that.”

“All right, all right!” laughed the young man. “I get it! Now, ‘Dad’, can I have something to eat? I’m starved!”

Laughing together, the two men walked into the store.

~*~

After this great turn of events in both of these gentlemen’s lives, Eli continued to live with Neilsen, who became his father and mentor. They lived in what Eli always dreamed of—happily ever after.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE