In this interview excerpt, the interviewee recounts a pivotal moment at age five when, after participating in communion at the log-built Solway Log Chapel, he asked his father to explain the rite. His father described Jesus' death, the symbolism of the bread and wine, and the promise of eternal life. Moved by this simple explanation, the child declared, “I want to be a follower of Jesus.” The interviewee notes that, although he could not recall the event for many years, the Holy Spirit later restored the memory. He reflects on how this early, Spirit‑indwelt commitment parallels the similar youthful decisions of his own children, and ties the story to the broader theme of Father’s Day and parental influence on faith.
Chapters
What was it at 5 years old that you said, hey, I want to trust Jesus? And what'd you say to your parents?
This, this is kind of, this is kind of unique. And I think, you know, you know, at 5 years old, you don't know a lot what's going on. Right. And we had communion at church that night. This is a small, I mean, it was Solway Log Chapel, quote unquote log chapel. And it was literally a log church. Okay. And, um, But for some reason, I couldn't take it. And I go, "What? Tell me about this." I remember just asking that question. And when Dad explained what communion was, I says, "I want to be a follower of Jesus." And again, at 5 years old, you're pretty simple-minded. But that, and I, for many years, I could not remember that. Okay. But there was a point in time, and maybe we'll get to that later on, the fact that God just opened that up to me and helped me remember that point in time. So yeah, and that was just a unique understanding of it. And again, simple-minded, simple, yep, I want to be a follower of Jesus.
Do you remember anything about how your dad led you through that time? You know, as we talked about, this is coming out in June. Yeah, the month of Father's Day. And so we'll be talking about dad stuff inevitably throughout the whole podcast, you and I being dads and grandpas.
Opportunity, I think, if we don't.
Well, Amanda, of course, you know, putting this together with the, with the Lord. And so it works. But yeah, it just makes me think of that too. Do you remember any of how your dad responded or walked you through it?
I mean, the first part about it, he just talked, if I recollect, And is that he talked about Jesus dying on the cross for our sins, you know, and his body, and then how the blood, how the juice represented his, the blood which gives us life. And just as simple as that. And that he gives us eternal life. And those that believe in him will have eternal life. And it was a simple yes. Okay. A simple yes. And I guess I keep coming back to that because I believe at that very same thing, the Spirit of God was indwelt with me, even though I did not know that. Okay. And so it was very simple like that. And I, and I guess the fortunate thing about that is both of my children did the same at a very young age, and I can't remember their ages when they did that, but they both committed at a young age. And I'm just thankful for that.
