I'll just go ahead and admit it: I was a VERY CONFUSED young man during my five years of undergraduate studies. I wasn't on drugs (either legal or otherwise), I wasn't an alcoholic...or involved immorally in anything. I was just "confused." I knew the LORD had His hand on me...but just wasn't sure where I was to go, or what I was to be doing...or even what I should be pursuing...
During my last semester of undergrad studies at Lee (www.leeuniversity.edu), I took an "Introduction to World Missions" course with Doctor Bill George. He is a veteran missionary, educator, pastor, and church leader. His overwhelming love for the "people of the world" struck a very strong chord on my heart strings. I had always thought "missions" was for someone else...but in this "Intro" class, I realized that "missions" was for me...that God could and would use me in HIS mission, if I'd just let Him.
Bill's class was never boring, stodgy, or lifeless. With the power of the Holy Spirit enriching his ministry, and the active participation of my fellow classmates, this "Intro" class was one of the best courses I had ever taken.
What I didn't realize at the time was how profoundly Dr George's life and ministry would impact me. Everywhere I would travel in the years that were to follow, I'd be confronted with the lessons I had learned from the "Introduction to World Missions" course.
Twenty four years after leaving Lee, in ways that only God could orchestrate, Dr Bill George and I would become closer than I could have ever imagined. I would become a living kidney donor for him at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Medical Center.
Since that time, Dr George has traveled several thousand miles, written a couple of books, gotten his "life" back (without dialysis ruling it at least 3 times a week)...and we both praise GOD for HIS goodness to us.
Bill's commitment to "missions" still inspires me.
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