While in the seventh grade, Kara heard a young man share during a book report at school. He told his classmates how they could have a personal relationship with Jesus. She had given her heart to Jesus, but was not living for Him.

This young man startled her with his boldness, especially for such a small little guy. She fell under conviction and knew that this was how she must live her life. Something within her changed that day. This was who she wanted to be. One who was bold for Christ.

Over two years later, this young man would be hospitalized with an infection contracted while serving the Lord in a foreign land.

Word traveled quickly through his former school and community. Kara and some of her friends began to leave this young man messages on a blog site established to keep others updated on his condition. Kara would share about that day back in seventh grade. How moved she was at his ability to take a stand for Jesus. She could not believe he would do so, in the presence of so many non-believers. It changed her life. She surrendered herself to being more like Jesus, and telling others about Him when she had opportunity.

Around 19 months later, the tables would turn.

It was Kara who was filled with the Spirit of God and boldness to take on a difficult task. Her Student Venture club (a para-church student organization) helped organize a community event, called Carmel Idol (held at Carmel High School- where Lauren and Whitney both graduated). The event was complete with 10 participants vying for the rights to be considered the best. The field was very talented, but this competition was established for a different reason.

Jeff Saturday from the Superbowl Champion Indianapolis Colts, would come toward the end of the event and share his testimony. The crowd was loud and at times unruly as he did. Certainly not the desired response!

Kara knew she should be nervous as she listened to Jeff and the less than desirable response from part of the crowd. What had brought her to this point? Why did she have to follow a "World Champion" in his field?

Strangely, a calm came over her. She was filled with peace.

Jeff concluded, and Kara moved to the microphone. This junior in high school stood before a crowd of over a thousand people. She began to share the journey of young man who had such a powerful impact on her own life. After telling his story, she played a dvd with pictures of him on the mission field, video of him sharing his testimony and pictures of him in the hospital. The dvd was set to the music of MercyMe. Specifically, a song called "I Would Die for You," inspired by this same young man's life.

Six and a half minutes later, the song ended and the formerly unruly crowd had grown deeply still. Kara proceeded to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She was not ashamed. She was not afraid.

She led the group in prayer.

Over 200 people surrendered their hearts to the Lordship of Jesus. This, in one of the wealthiest schools in the state of Indiana, where there is no perceived need for a Savior.

The boldness of a seventh grade boy, the boldness of a 17 year old young lady, the boldness of a 30 something year old Super Bowl Champion, is the same boldness that is available to you and me, if we will just surrender our inhibitions about what this is all about, and live and speak for the Spotless Lamb.


When this seventh grade boy lived in this same community, he obtained a poster of this same team. A poster of this same man. It was autographed and it adorned his wall. Even after he moved, he carried it with him. He heard that this man was a believer, and he was inspired that in spite of his fame and success, he still served Jesus. With no fame, he also served. So too, is Kara.

Go and do likewise.

dad


Thank you for your prayer covering for our quick trip to Mexico! The Lord blessed it and has inspired some new works! Deanna and I leave for Indy this afternoon. I will write when I can, it just depends on access and time.