Every once in a while...it’s good to be reminded that God takes what we do and makes it BIGGER than we ever, ever could on our own.

I was incredibly blessed a few days ago when Smitty’s Mom and Dad shared an email they had received from a friend of theirs back at their home church in Kenova, WV.

Paul and Barbara’s friend had recently visited the continent of Africa.  Their first stop was, to quote them, “WAAAYYY out from anything” in Zimbabwe.  It was in such a remote region that they were not allowed out at night because of the dangers of wandering elephants and other animals.  Imagine their surprise when the housekeeper was singing Michael W. Smith songs.  When they asked her about it she explained that she knew many Michael W. Smith songs because they sing them at her church!

The very next day – after a prop plane flight to Zambia they were shocked to hear music from Michael’s FREEDOM project being used on a TV commercial airing during the World Cup Soccer game.

As if that wasn’t enough....the VERY NEXT DAY....in northern Zambia near the Congo border they met a theology student at the college...listening to a MWS cd.

And as these people were making their way back through Swaziland, near the boarder of Mozambique, they heard his music playing over the speakers in a local pharmacy.

Now, here is my favorite part of the story:  Instead of focusing on the angle of how “popular” or “successful” Michael had become - - these people, instead, reminisced about all of the people that had poured themselves into Michael’s life at an early age.  All the Sunday School teachers....the VBS teachers.  They reflected on all the saints of the church that had prayed for him at times when he could have gone another direction.

Then they turned their thoughts to “who’s next”.  What little kid running around the church today is God going to raise up to influence and impact thousands and millions of people around the world.  Who’s next?

Maybe that “who’s next” is the child that you teach in Sunday School.  Maybe it’s the kid you let play in the Worship Band because he has a passion for music. Maybe it’s that boy or girl that’s not too easy to love right now because they’re pushing the boundaries.  

All I know is - - there were some faithful people in a church in Kenova, West Virginia who, on the day of his Baptism, committed to pray and support a young Michael W. Smith and the impact of their prayers is being felt around the world today.

So, next time you’re tempted to grumble about serving Nursery Duty – just think to yourself:  Who’s next?

Thanks to all of you who have invested in the impact Michael makes through your faithful prayers.  You could offer no greater gift.

Chaz Corzine