[308 words]
Maggie Vasquez, who has cerebral palsy, wasn’t going to get to go on the annual school camping trip as her wheelchair and walker wouldn’t work on the rugged terrain of the forest where the group would be hiking.
One of Maggie’s teachers, Helma Wardenaar, was determined that the ten-year-old would go on the trip with the other students.
Miss Wardenaar set out on a quest to find the best method which would enable Maggie to be a part of the camping experience.
After consulting several people about possible solutions to the conundrum, it was decided that Maggie would be carried on Helma Wardenaar’s back in a specialized backpack with a fold-out seat.
Although the teacher works out every day, it was still a challenge to carry her student on her back for at least four hours a day throughout the weekend.
Though exhausted, Wardenaar stated that she was inspired and rewarded by Maggie’s constant smile during the outing (CBS – Chicago, June 8, 2018).
The 2017 Baylor Religion Survey reported that 89% of people polled believe that they’re going to heaven (Baylor.edu, Baylor Religion Survey Wave 5). This would indicate that most people in America desire to go to heaven.
Baptized believers have the responsibility of making sure that those desiring to spend eternity in heaven have every opportunity to learn what the will of God is in order for them to get there (Mark 16:16-16).
The gospel of Christ, which according to 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, is the message that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and that He rose again.
The gospel is a specialized message designed to carry the recipient to a knowledge of the only way to get to heaven.
By sharing the gospel, Christians are able, and must be willing to carry those seekers to Christ.
Troy Albers
Graeber Road church of Christ
Rosenberg, TX