December 13, 2005
Tall, beautiful Vanessa was my guest on the “Interesting People” TV program that airs on Public Access Television. Her published book shares insights about how God was faithful to her as a single Mom, rearing three children. As a strong Christian woman, Vanessa was burdened for her stepfather at Allen hospital, sick with cancer. Since Vanessa asked if I would visit with him about the Lord, we went to visit him after we had taped the interview.
Her stepfather, “Rebel,” had worked at John Deere, where it had been said of him that he could “work circles around others.” Rebel had been there for Vanessa and her siblings, but his strength was gone; he was facing death’s door. After visiting a few moments, I took his massive hand, looked straight at him, and told him that I had come to talk with him about how to get to Heaven.
As I talked, Rebel never took his eyes off mine. He often said just one word, “Unha.” I did not understand what he was saying but lifted my Bible up to enable him to read along. Even though he wasn’t wearing his glasses, he could know the words that I was reading as being from God’s Word. Finally, I asked if he wanted to pray, trusting Jesus Christ to pay for his sins.
“Unha,” he replied.
Running my hand gently along his jaw, then across his lips, I urged him, “Rebel, you need to talk to God yourself and tell Him what you want him to do for you.”
“Unha.”
“Rebel, say ‘Jesus,’” I requested.
At first he couldn’t. Then after a pause, he said, “Jesus.” Marveling that he had finally said a word, I continued, “Tell Jesus you are in trouble, Rebel.” He did.
“Tell Jesus you want Him to pay for your sins with His blood.” He did.
We paused. “Rebel,” I asked, “what just happened?”
“I got Jesus in my life,” he stated. His hand pressed mine, and he said, “Thank you.”
As we prepared to leave the hospital room together, I asked Vanessa if she had peace that her stepfather had received Christ as his Savior and was now on his way to Heaven.
“Yes,” she replied, wiping tears from her eyes. Vanessa’s mother, a Christian, had joined us in the room while we were talking. Taking her hand, I asked if she was had honestly received the Lord. She smiled and nodded.
As we left the hospital, Vanessa marveled at his decision. “You had laid the foundation,” I said, “and praise the Lord, Rebel was ready.”
Later, we received this Christmas card from Vanessa.
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Gloria,
I wish I could make you know the appreciation that my mother and I feel toward you for the comfort and peace you brought to my father on his deathbed. It is official that he is now terminal. My mother and I talked for a couple of days after your visit about the remarkable change in my dad’s demeanor and attitude.
I pray God richly bless you for your unselfish behavior. My daughter, Hannah, has not met you; but as we shared with her about your act, she sends her warm sentiments also.
Vanessa
