one to one: Lessons about life, ministry, and grandkids

by Keith Burden, Executive Secretary, National Association of Free Will Baptists

The Death Threat

She was elderly and lived alone in low-rent, government-assisted housing. I stopped by to visit her on numerous occasions and tried to minister to her any way I could. She was very lonely. She was also an alcoholic.

During one particular visit I found her more sober than at other times. I shared with her from the Scriptures, and we prayed together. Her heart seemed to soften. I asked if I could do anything for her. She said, “Yes! Get rid of that liquor in my kitchen.”

Sensing her sincerity and desperation, I obliged. One by one, I uncorked the bottles and poured the contents down the drain until all were empty. She promised to attend church the next Sunday. I left encouraged and hopeful. It was a big step in the right direction.

Minutes before our morning worship service that Lord’s Day, I was approached by one of the deacons in our church. He had a concerned, almost fearful look on his face. He pulled me aside and informed me someone had called the church office moments before and left a message for me.

“You tell that preacher I’m going to kill him if he steps in the pulpit today.”

I asked if he got the caller’s name or number. He didn’t; however, he did remember one important detail. It was a woman with a coarse, raspy voice. Immediately, I knew who it was. She had been drinking again. Apparently I had overlooked a bottle.

After taking appropriate precautions, our morning service proceeded without incident. Shortly thereafter, my suspicion was confirmed. She was the anonymous caller who made the death threat.

I wish this story had a happy ending, but it doesn’t. Sadly, she continued this destructive path and eventually died as a direct result of alcohol consumption. As it turned out, she was the person facing the real death threat, not me.

However, that morning, as I stood before the congregation aware of a potential threat to my safety, I developed a new appreciation for the privilege and opportunity to minister without fear of physical harm. I was reminded of the courageous individuals around the world who regularly face the threat of violence and persecution for preaching the gospel. God help us follow their courageous example.

Pray for the persecuted church.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11).

About the columnist. One to One is a regular feature of ONE Magazine. Written by Keith Burden, executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, the column explores life, ministry...and the joys of grandchildren.