One of the things I do as a gospel preacher is conduct gospel meetings. Over the past decade, I have been privileged to hold meetings in many different states. At my meetings, the one thing that always catches my eye is the young people. Where do they sit? Do they pay attention? Do they attend every night? Are they interested in spiritual things? Let me share a few of my experiences with you.

In a meeting I just finished in Arkansas, we were able to baptize one young man into Christ. How did he come to be attending the meeting? His friend, a young Christian, had been studying the Bible with him. He had spent time with other Christians, in their homes. During this same meeting these young people brought many of their friends. All of the young people at this congregation, save one who was working, were in attendance on Friday night. Yes, on Friday night, they attended a gospel meeting. What an example and uplifting experience for this preacher. May their tribe increase!

In another place I preached, the young people sat in the first two rows every night of the meeting. They asked good questions concerning my sermons. At the end of the meeting, they thanked me for taking the time to be with them and for the encouragement they had received. Don't try to sell me on the concept that the young people have no desire for spiritual matters--I know better!

Yet, I must say something about the young people here at Knollwood. When I first came to talk with the congregation about the work here, what impressed me? The young people. Each service, they sat in the first two rows. Each night, they listened attentively. Some even asked me questions. One young man, who was considering becoming a preacher, stopped and wanted to discuss my work as a gospel preacher. That was over 20 months ago. I am still moved to tears by their spiritual desire and the examples they set before this congregation and this community. Seeing such commitment from young people encourages me to believe there is still hope for this old world. One of these wonderful young people taught me a powerful lesson. I had a habit of saying "our young people--the church of the future." My dear sister correctly pointed out that this might leave the impression they had no work for the present. Every young person has a work now. "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth..." {Ecclesiastes 12:1}

In this special issue of this month's Messenger, some of our young people have taken pen in hand to write many of the articles. To see these young people write with such clarity is certainly uplifting to this gospel preacher. I am forever thankful for their faithful examples as God's children. It says much about their parents and about their understanding of the need for God in their lives. This issue is dedicated to the young people at Knollwood. Thank you for your encouragement.