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The War Cry | FEBRUARY 2013
F E B R U A R Y
Frontlines
enneth was a tennis
pro--and our neighbor. We were not close friends by
any means, but we chatted occasionally. We knew
that he played in tournaments, not only in the United
States but overseas as well. And he taught the sport at
a local country club. Things were going well for Ken-
neth until he developed cancer in his right shoulder.
But he was no quitter. He kept teaching until the
arm had to be amputated. To add to his problems, the
cancer metastasized to his tongue, and it had to be
partially removed as well.
Kenneth knew that his prognosis was not good,
that he probably had only a few months to live.
During the last few weeks of his life, our doorbell
would ring frequently. It was Kenneth, asking us to
pray for him and with him. And we did, of course.
His visits were always short. We spoke to him
about the Lord, but Kenneth was anxious to be on
his way. So I wrote him a letter, explaining the way
of salvation.
During his last visit, we invited Kenneth to go to
the Salvation Army corps with us one Sunday morn-
ing. He seemed interested, but said, "I'll go with you
after the football season has ended."
Sadly, Kenneth died before the football season was
over.
His story is reminiscent of the apostle Paul's ap-
pearance before Felix, a high governmental official in
Judea (Acts 24). Paul, a prisoner of Rome at the time,
was brought to trial. He spoke to Felix about how Je-
sus came to lead people to eternal life. Although Felix
sensed the prompting of the Holy Spirit, instead of
accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior, he said, "That's
enough for now ... When I find it convenient, I will send
for you."
Truth to tell, postponing a decision to become a
Christian is tantamount to rejecting Jesus. Another
opportunity to do so may never come.
In writing to the Corinthian church, Paul said,
"Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salva-
tion" (2 Cor. 6:2).
It's a universal truth. Salvation is available now for
anyone open to God's truth and love. A simple but ac-
curate formula is stated in an old Salvation Army song:
"Repent, believe, be born again."
This can be the day of salvation for you.
Commissioner Robert E. Thomson lives in Clearwater, FL.
by
COMMISSIONER
ROBERT E.
THOMSON
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After
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Season
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