“The Lamb” for my father-in-law

Aileen’s* father-in-law, George, had been in a nursing home for some time. As his health progressively failed, the time came when Aileen learned that he didn’t have much longer to live. Though her family had prayed for George’s salvation for many years, he had never been open to the gospel. Aileen prayerfully decided to take a copy of The Lamb with her as she went to visit him.

Day after day, as Aileen sat at George’s bedside, she read the book aloud. He listened intently and gazed at the colourful pictures through rheumy eyes. Carefully he pondered the questions at the end of each chapter and answered them quietly but clearly. By the end, Aileen watched as George softened to the message of hope offered in this simple book, and she was certain he believed. What a relief to know her father-in-law was saved! At times George was too sleepy or weak to interact, so she spent that time visiting other residents, reading The Lamb to them.

When George passed away last fall, Aileen had the opportunity to speak briefly at his funeral and told of how he had come to faith in Christ. The pastor, also used pictures from The Lamb as the basis for his message, and referenced the story of the drowning boy reaching out for help.

Later, Aileen was able to share this experience at a ladies’ retreat. As a result, six ladies were inspired to obtain copies of The Lamb and read it with their elderly parents.

Just recently, Dan,* a long-time pastor friend of Aileen’s, also had a father in the final stages of life. Initially his dad, Barney,* was reluctant to listen to The Lamb. However, as Dan and his wife read to him over a period of three weeks, he opened up little by little and wanted to hear more. In the end, just before he died, Barney professed belief that Christ was his Lamb, who had died for his sins. It was on that basis he knew he would go to heaven, rather than on his baptism and good works upon which he had trusted for so long. At the funeral, Dan was able to give a testimony of his dad’s salvation.

We have an awesome and gracious God. A God who is so patient! If you have a parent or loved one who is near the end of life and has yet to trust in Christ for salvation, please consider sharing The Lamb with them. It was written for the young and old alike so that all might clearly understand and believe in Jesus Christ as the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)

 

(*Names changed as per GoodSeed policy)

Photo credit: “Clinquant of the Future” by DerrickT is licensed under CC BY 2.0