Flashback: The night of Monday, June 11, 1973
Denise Wildfire, Tommy's mom, was the best cook of any of the guys' friends. This night, they had hamburger helper, sweet potatoes, field peas, and chocolate cake. There was no noise while everyone ate...except forks hitting plates. As supper concluded, Tommy asked his dad if he would talk with JoJo and him.
With me?? Tommy, this is your great plan!! JoJo thought
Mr. Wildfire said, "Sure, son."
Hmmm JoJo thought. Why was Fire so agreeable?
JoJo had underestimated the power of prayer. For years, Mrs. Wildfire had been praying for her husband's salvation. She had invited him to church hundreds of times until one day,
he said, "NEVER ask me to go to church AGAIN!!!!!!"
"OK," was her response. Mrs. Wildfire knew God would continue to knock at Fire's heart, plus she had her entire Sunday school class praying for him.
Then, there were Tommy's prayers.... We never know when God is going to act on a matter.
It seemed the prayers of Tommy might be the final piece of Fire's Salvation Puzzle.
The guys headed into the Living Room. Fire had a special recliner---that none of Tommy's friends dared to sit in. That is--after--Nick Butkus was literally ousted from the chair by Tommy's dad one cold February day when the boys were 10 years old. Nick had never even come back in Tommy's house! JoJo and Tommy sat on the couch.
For about 28 seconds, there was silence. Finally, Fire spoke up: "Tommy, let's hear it."
Tommy asked, "Daddy, are you saved?"
"I don't think so, but I have been praying a lot lately."
"Cool. Why the prayers, Pop?" Tommy had multiple names for his father. Sometimes it was
Pop, sometimes Daddy, sometimes Mr. Fire...
"Son, I feel I am missing something. I feel kinda guilty...some people call it conviction."
Denise was listening at the door of the kitchen. While she was thrilled to hear those words, she was even more determined to pray that this would be the Day (Night) Of Salvation!
"Daddy, I felt that same thing until I asked Jesus into my heart."
After a long silence, Fire quietly said,"How does that work?"
JoJo's mouth was wide-open. He was in shock, but all of the sudden he realized that he needed to pray. "Excuse me fellas. Would you mind if I prayed?"
Both Wildfires (really 3, including Denise) agreed.
"Holy Father, thank you for your love for us. Thank you, that in your mercy, sent Jesus to die in our place for each and every sin of ours. Please be with us as Tommy and his daddy talk."
Amen was uttered by all. Some loudly and some softly.
Tommy continued, "Pop, we must confess to God that we are sinners." He read from Romans 3 that all have fallen short of the glory of God, but God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. He read Revelations 3:20 and some other passages.
When he was finished, Fire said, "I am ready."
Tommy asked, "Would you pray with me, Daddy? I will pray, and you can follow my lead."
"Yes."
"Lord God Our Father.." Fire repeated
"We have all sinned and come short of your glory." Fire repeated.
"I am sorry for my sins! Forgive me because of Jesus' sacrifice." Fire repeated
"Jesus, I accept you into my heart as my Savior." Fire repeated
"Be my Lord and rule over my life from this time forward!" Fire repeated
"Help me live the Christian life." Fire repeated
"Thank you for saving me this day!" Fire repeated
Everyone said AMEN! this included Denise who was crying---on her knees right beside Fire!
The 2 embraced for about 10 seconds. Then Tommy's daddy, with tears streaming down his face, said: "Come join us, Boys!"
A group hug ensued, and all of Heaven rejoiced!
FIRE WAS A CHRISTIAN!!
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