one to one: giant on the mound Keith Burden is the executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Email Keith at keith@nafwb.org. To learn more about the National Association of Free Will Baptists, visit www.nafwb.org.

The caller on the telephone identified himself as the owner/manager of a local cemetery. He said he needed assistance and wanted to know if I was willing to help. I tried to sound interested and willing but remained non-committal. My mind shifted into high gear, trying to imagine what he wanted.

Briefly he explained the nature of his request. Each year a special ceremony was conducted at the cemetery on Memorial Day. The community gathered to pay their respects to the departed, especially those who served our country in the armed forces.

The program consisted of a color guard, speech by a local politician, taps, 21-gun salute, and prayer. He asked if I would pray. Without the slightest hesitation I responded, “Sure! I can pray. I’ll be happy to help you.”

The next day, however, I began to consider what I had done. The church office was closed on Memorial Day. I usually took the day off. It was a rare opportunity to sleep late. Our family typically got together and grilled out.

It also occurred to me that I made a commitment to someone I did not know. Although I had met the man and seen him as I conducted services at the cemetery, I didn’t really know him. What was I thinking when I made a promise to a total stranger?

I rose early that Monday. Convinced I needed to look professional, I put on a suit and tie. The sky was overcast, and I remember hearing the rumble of thunder in the distance. I decided to take an umbrella, just to be on the safe side.

I paused as I pulled into the cemetery. Although I had been there on numerous occasions, the well-kept grounds and expansive memorial park were particularly striking that day. The roadway was lined with dozens of large, American flags.

A small group assembled in front of a tall, native stone structure. As I took my place with the other participants, it began to rain. The ceremony was brief, but long enough for everyone to get thoroughly soaked.

Sloshing through the water I returned to my car, vowing I would never do that again. Yet when I received an invitation to pray the following year, inexplicably, I consented. As you might imagine, it rained again.
I lost track of how many years I prayed at the Memorial Day ceremony. Eventually, however, the cemetery owner and his wife began to attend our church. They committed their lives to Christ and proved to be a tremendous blessing—not only to our ministry, but to the denomination as well. Today, they remain actively involved in a Free Will Baptist church, and I count them among my dearest friends.

Sometimes being a witness means going outside your comfort zone. It may cause inconvenience, and you may lose valuable time. But the rewards of leading others to Christ far exceed any sacrifice we make, even if it means getting wet!