One never knows how a kind word or an encouraging message might actually change a person’s life.
But members of Providence Baptist Church, Opelika, now have a personal example to share.
Shirley Dismukes, former day care director at Providence, recently received a letter from Captain J. Dion Bates, who works with the corps of engineers at Fort Knox. Bates shared how a balloon note from one of the church’s children, Jake Parker, in 1991 changed his life.
Dismukes said the children in the church released helium-filled balloons with notes attached that gave a child’s name, the church name and address and a request to let the child know how far the balloon traveled. The balloon also had a not attached that said “Jesus Loves You.”
Bates, then an Army Ranger, found Parker’s balloon in a field at Fort Benning, Ga., about 40 miles from the church. He responded and developed a writing relationship with Parker and Dismukes.
“I can’t tell you how important that meeting was in my life,” Bates said in his recent letter. “It got me through that tough school and was an answer to prayer. More importantly, this truly led me to Christ.”
Bates, who was born Catholic, said he and his wife are now active Christians and have two children. They have moved around the United States with his Army duties as well as with is graduate studies.
“At a time when I need support and strength the most, it came to me, oddly enough, in the form of a note attached to a balloon,” Bates said.
“Funny how Jesus answers prayers — He must have a sense of humor.” (TAB)
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