Editor’s
journey
The
earthquake game
SAN FRANCISCO
— October 17, 1989. Millions gathered around their television
sets to watch Game 3 of the World Series between the San Francisco
Giants and the Oakland Athletics. I was seated with three friends
in the upper deck of Candlestick Park, awaiting the celebrated
first pitch.
The crowd noise was
deafening as players took their final warm-ups. Then, at 5:04
p.m., an eerie hush followed by terrifying shrieks swept across
the ballpark. The Bay Area was experiencing its most devastating
earthquake since 1906. The infield turf rippled. Light standards
swayed like palm trees. Chairs teetered. Cement walls tilted.
When the chaos subsided,
thousands cheered in unison like thrill-seekers surviving a brush
with death. But, moments later, we learned the gravity of the
situation. The 7.1 earthquake had toppled buildings, damaged bridges
and taken many lives.
Baseball was put in
proper perspective that night. The game was postponed, and 60,000
fans were reminded that there are more important matters in life
than the outcome of a World Series.
In this edition of
Today’s Pentecostal Evangel, NFL stars like Peter Boulware, Mark Brunell and James
Thrash reveal what they treasure far more than winning a Super
Bowl or reaching the Hall of Fame. They have a relationship with
Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. They know firsthand
that there’s more to life than sports.
Perhaps you’ve
watched athletes declare their love for Jesus on national television
and you’ve wondered if you should pursue your own relationship
with Him. After reading this magazine, you will face the most
important decision of your life — to accept or reject Jesus
as your Lord and Savior. Do not procrastinate or wait for a more
convenient time. That time is now.
With the suddenness
of an earthquake, your life can end. And, at that moment, all
that matters is whether you decided to follow Jesus Christ. It
won’t matter what football team you followed or what jersey
you donned on Sunday afternoons. Your home for eternity —
heaven or hell — will be determined by your decision to
accept or reject Jesus Christ.
Let me encourage you
to take the same step many NFL stars have taken. Invite Jesus
into your life and receive His promise of heaven by following
the ABCs of salvation.
Be assured, with Jesus
calling the signals of your life, victory is guaranteed.
— Hal Donaldson
