After years of persistence, a prayer is answered
Gregg Fuller
December 26, 2009

In a previous article, I wrote about my childhood experience at Vacation Bible School. It wasn’t because of my parents’ religious beliefs that we attended, but rather because to them it was a good and structured learning model — and a built-in babysitter! I grew up in a family where “Jesus is not spoken here” applied.

I was raised in a small three-bedroom home with five other siblings. We made up the full “baby boomer” years in births from 1946 through 1964 — 18 years of children! My mom had much work cut out for her with all of her children and the tasks it involved. I know it wasn’t easy for her; in fact, it was rather difficult and stressful.

I grew up and moved on, and accepted Christ as my savior in September 1976. From that point, my consistent prayer was for salvation for my family. I continued and continued in that prayer over the years. I simply wanted for my family what I had received as a young man of 20: the free gift of salvation and life in Christ.

Over the years my mom challenged anything spiritual because of her childhood experiences going to church. At times, that caused some uneasiness between the two of us. But I kept praying and praying for her and the rest of my family.

Years later, when my mom was about 79, her good health changed. She fell a few times and knew that she couldn’t stay in her house any longer. Mom ended up in a care facility and several times in the hospital. I knew her life on this Earth was almost over.

One day when she was in the hospital, I felt the urge to pray Jesus into her life, especially because that had been a long desire in my life. I remember the day being very dark and stormy outside. I felt Satan was ever present at that bedside, hoping for my failure. I prayed for strength and asked my mom if she would like to know Jesus Christ as her personal savior. She knew the peace it had given me through the years.

Mom looked at me, did not fight that question, and without hesitation said yes. In her weakness she said it with all sincerity.

Here was a woman who had waited all her life to accept Christ — 81 years. But it didn’t matter. It was just as valid to Christ at that moment as any other time in her life. We prayed and my mom was welcomed into Christ’s kingdom. What a wonderful thing! Three weeks later she was gone.

I’ve always appreciated the Scripture of Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to his purpose.”

Because of years of patience and persistence, this miracle finally came into fruition for us — the 29-year prayer. I believe God’s grace and love made it happen.

Gregg Fuller is a member and usher at Eugene Faith Center. This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance to offer inspiration, share personal spiritual experiences and bring a deeper understanding of individual faith perspectives with the intention of blessing our community and the world. For information, visit www.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 344-0430.