Derek – the Boy with the Fireman’s Helmet

If you have heard me talk about my call to ministry, then you have probably heard me mention a very special 7-year-old boy named Derek who God used to draw me onto the Mission field full-time. And you’ve probably heard me talk about him sobbing, because Derek had a profound impact on me.

Today, two years later, God orchestrated it so that we met again – and it was one of the greatest blessings I have ever experienced!

In 2010, on my first Mission Trip with Open Air Campaigners, I shared the gospel with a 7-year-old boy named Derek. God used that boy to touch my heart because he was so open to Jesus. The most amazing thing was when I gave him a gospel booklet and told him it was my gift to him. He was so excited to get the booklet that he took his red plastic fireman’s helmet off and put it on my head and told me the helmet was his gift to me. I tried to tell him I didn’t want to take his helmet, but Derek insisted, and said, “I really want you to have it.”

That act of generosity from a young child touched me so deeply, and I wrote Derek’s name in the helmet and have it next to my computer, and I have often prayed for Derek. I have often told people how God used Derek to touch my heart, and I have often cried for him, praying for him, and wondering how he was growing and turning out.

Today, two years later, I was co-leading a Mission Trip with OAC and we went to the same neighborhood, and I ran into Derek again! I reminded him about meeting him two years ago and that he gave me his fireman’s helmet. He said he remembered and he remembered the gospel booklet I gave him. I told him I have been praying for him for two years, and he smiled, and said, “Really? That’s so cool.”

I brought him through the same gospel booklet again today and he said he wanted to follow the narrow path to Jesus Christ!

He also told me which church he attends and it is a solid Bible-based church in the city of Boston!

This was one of the most wonderful blessings I have ever received!!!

Here’s a picture of Derek and his friends hanging out after the kids meeting having fun:

This picture was taken near the end of the kids’ meeting today when we were praying for the children:

When I was about to leave today, Derek said to me, “Will I have to wait another two years before I see you again?”

I certainly hope not!!! 🙂