The sound of familiar voices comes from the record player. I smile knowing that my husband just put on

my grandparents’ album for us to listen to. Many memories of their gospel group, The Joyful

Messengers, flood my mind taking me back to a time when my sister and I would travel with our

grandparents to different churches, where they would share their testimony through the songs they

would sing and the lyrics they would write. Even though both of my grandmothers that were in the

group have since gone to be with Jesus, their legacy of faith lives on in their children, grandchildren, and

now great-grandchildren.

It’s a legacy for which I am so thankful – it brings to mind the words of 2 Timothy 1:5: I am reminded of

your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I

am sure, dwells in you as well. Due to Timothy’s mother and grandmother, he too knew Jesus and

shared his faith with others.

The influence they had on Timothy was life-changing for him and for those around him; and here we are

today still telling his story. The godly influence that surrounded Timothy growing up is also mentioned in

2 Timothy 3:14-15: But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of,

knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy

Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

You too may have had a Lois or Eunice in your life that shared the Gospel with you, and now you are

sharing Jesus with others -- your children, grandchildren, friends, and coworkers. When we share our

faith with those around us - especially our children and grandchildren – it has the power to change

generations to come.

Spreading the hope of the Gospel and planting those seeds can blossom into a beautiful garden of

believers in the future. And friends, that is what can really change the world.

This week share the hope of Jesus with someone in your life -- perhaps a little one God has entrusted to

your care. You never know how much of an influence you can be and how sharing the Gospel with them

can change their lives forever.

By Lauren Hill



Lauren has been married to her high school sweetheart, Adam, for 12 years and they have two

daughters, Story, and Violet. They attend the Georgetown campus where Lauren serves in children’s

church.