In the late 1950s, a young singer came on the scene in Atlantic City. His career had taken off as he performed with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Jimmy Durante, and other great performers of the time. He seemed to have it all, fame, fortune, and a future as a top entertainer. Almost at the height of his success, everything began to unravel. The singer had grown up in a Christian home, his father was a preacher, but he rebelled against it all and got involved in drugs and alcohol. His wife and daughter left him, and just as he was about to commit suicide, the hand of God reached down and touched his heart. He accepted Jesus and completely turned his life around to serve our Lord and Savior.

In the spring of 1974, on a Sunday night at a small church in Baltimore, MD, a movie about the life of this night club singer was shown. I had just turned nine years old. When the movie was over, I realized that there was something missing in my life. I knew I didn’t want to go down the path that this singer had taken. Even at that young age, music had played such an important role in my life, and I had dreams of being a singer and having a band. I knew that I wanted to dedicate my talents to the Lord’s service. So as the pastor led the invitation, I went forward and gave my heart and life to Jesus.

Over the years, I have thought about that night, and occasionally heard about this singer, who had been instrumental in my salvation. Well, a while back, by the grace of God, I just happened to hear that he was going to be in concert in our area. Twenty nine years after becoming a Christian, I was able for the first time to meet Dave Boyer in person. Lydia and I went to his concert, and during the intermission, I shared with him the story of my conversion. He was thrilled to hear how God had used him in my life. Later in the concert, he called Lydia and I up on stage to share my testimony.

We don't know what we might do or say that will be the final influence for someone to turn their life over to Christ. I grew up in a Christian home, and was in church every time the doors were open (literally). It took the reality of what God can do in one man's life to open my heart to the truth of the gospel. We need to be continually sensitive to and led by the Holy Spirit so God can work His plan on earth.

It is likely that we will never know this side of heaven the impact our lives have had on others. Has someone in particular had an impact on your life, why wait until you get to heaven? Why don’t you take time to let them know today?