When I was a child, my grandma would take me to her church.
Sometimes, we would take the city bus, but I remember walking the mile or so to the wooden structure. The assembly consisted of mostly older members, and there were no musical instruments, so song service consisted of using worn songbooks and a kindly gentleman directing the hymns.
In this peaceful setting, I learned songs that are forever etched on my heart.
No fanfare, no fancy tracts or powerful tenors were present.
One song stands out to me even today: “Tell Me the Story of Jesus.”
After singing it over many times, I memorized it.
“Write on my heart every word,” was what I wanted as I attended church services as a teenager.
“Tell me the story most precious” became important as I listened to the ministers and youth leaders that influenced my life.
We must be assured that the teachings of young people are embedded in their hearts and minds. I know because these lessons have given me direction in serving my Savior, Jesus Christ.
There are others that impact young people — preachers, deacons, Sunday School teachers, music directors, the bus drivers (who receive very little recognition) and evangelists.
Let’s not forget family members who take their children to church, read Bible stories and show the love of Jesus through their Christian lives.
My grandma, Sylvia, was a kind and sweet Christian woman. She probably never knew this little girl was watching her read the Bible every evening and sing hymns from an old worn songbook that she kept on her small desk in the living room of her humble home.
Sometimes I would sit on her front porch in the swing and sing, “Tell me the stories of Jesus, write on my heart every word, tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.”
I still sing that song today and remember Grandma.
Sylvia Horner is co-pastor at Geist
Apostolic Church in McCordsville.
