Jesus Saves

I have a story to tell before sharing an awesome video.

Some of mine and Cody's best friends, Clay and Joanna Martin, live in Hobbs, New Mexico. He preaches there. While attending college at what is now called Texas State University in San Marcos, Clay was my roommate and he dated Joanna at the same time me and Cody were dating. So we all became quite close. We were very involved with the church there together and with the Bible Chair there. I attribute a lot of my growth as a new Christian to Clay and his encouragement. There is nothing quite like staying up til 3 AM talking bible, knowing you have a 8:00 AM class that same morning. He challenged me. He grew with me. Those are truly some of the greatest years of my life. And I will forever be indebted to him.

In the summer of 1997, we all went our separate ways. We still see each other and talk frequently. But we all got married that summer. First, John and Amber Johanson, then me and Cody, then Clay and Joanna, later that summer Patrick and Melissa Hammack, then Travis and Melissa Herbelin. Well, while we were all engaged, the running joke was undoubtedly, Clay and Joanna would be the first to get pregnant. They didn't disappoint. About 3 months after they were married, they showed up at the door of our apartment to announce their good news. Of course, I laughed at them. But at the same time I was happy for them. We all knew it would happen, accident or not. I remember going to visit them at the hospital on the night of Caleb's birth day. Just a few hours old, he was crying and Joanna held him and sang to him, while saying, "Mommy is here. It's okay." I wept. Then Clay laughed at me. So I guess he actually got the last laugh.

Great memories! Well, this coming July Caleb will be 11 years old. He is growing up. What a great young man he has turned out to be and Cody and I love him as if he were one of our own. Clay and Joanna have obviously done a great job with him, along with their two daughters, Faith and Jenna. And he is as strong as an ox. I found out this past December when we saw them, that I can no longer easily pick him up and manhandle him like I used to do.

Well, I wanted to share with you a video of Caleb preaching his first sermon. I hope all will take the time to watch this. It is incredibly encouraging and refreshing. It is only 3 1/2 minutes long so it won't take up too much of your time. His brevity in and of itself is a great example to us preachers, right? HA! He has us all beat I think, with regard to his age for preaching his first sermon. And what an awesome topic, Jesus is the only One who saves. Great job, Caleb!





Clay and Joanna Martin, we love you. You guys are incredible. Thank you for the encouragement you are for Cody and me. And thank you for your wonderful example of raising a young boy who is learning more and more every day how to love Jesus and walk with Him. And may God's richest blessings continue to shine on your beautiful family!