Michael’s spiritual journey began in the summer of 2005, when I had the privilege of leading him to saving faith in Christ; this summer, we were honored to spend time with Michael again and witnessed yet another spiritual milestone in his life.

Michael rides the church bus each Sunday morning and participates in the youth choir on Wednesday nights at our home church, Florence Baptist Temple.  He is originally from the Dominican Republic and speaks fluent English, Spanish, and Arabic.  Michael attended youth camp this summer.

The Holy Spirit began working in a powerful way very early in this week of youth camp, with several students receiving Christ or making spiritual decisions as early as the first night.  God’s presence was almost visible as spiritually-minded students prayed for lost friends, and scores of decisions were made through the course of the week.  On the final evening, however, the invitation call was issued to those who sensed God’s leading them to surrender their lives to Him for full-time ministry.  Fourteen teenagers approached us during this invitation; three of these students plan to pursue cross-cultural ministry while others surrendered fully to whatever service God might have for their future.

Michael was one of these students who surrendered his life to Christ on this night.  We know that God has uniquely gifted Michael for His purposes, and we ask that you pray for him as he continues to grow spiritually and seek specific direction for his future.  Because of his knowledge of three languages, Michael has the ability to share the gospel with much of the known world even now — imagine how God will use him in the future!  Sam Beard, ST-South Korea