The news recently carried a story about a Memphis delivery person who probably saved a customer’s life. Jean Wilson had ordered pizza every day for three years. We might debate the health ramifications of that; but in this case, her habit alerted people to her condition. For three days, there were no orders from Jean. Susan Guy said her boss told her about the change in habit.

Susan insisted on checking on Jean. When no one came to the door and a neighbor reported not seeing her for days, Guy called 911. When police arrived, they broke down the door and found Wilson had fallen and could not get up. She was then taken to the hospital.

Sometimes people drop out of our churches. We notice they have altered their schedules, but we fail to go after them. While it is not always pleasant to find out why, the church needs to go after them—not for numbers, but because it is our duty. We just might save someone for the kingdom.


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About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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After leaving the White House, Harry Truman retired to Independence, Missouri. He decided to make a road trip from there to Washington, D.C., and New York by car. He was traveling without security or escort—just the President and Mrs. Truman. On June 21, 1953, he arrived in Frostburg, Maryland. While having lunch at the Princess Diner, a local Democratic Party leader came by their table and asked the President if he would be willing to visit his elderly bedridden mother who recently had broken her hip. He said she had been a Democrat for 92 years and was pretty sick. Truman went—two miles from town. Truman said, “We had a nice chat. That little detour may not sound like much, but it was the high point of our whole motor trip.” On that trip he would have lunch with 44 senators at the Capitol, have lunch in New York with the editor of Life magazine and visit the United Nations; but the high point was that chat with a 92-year-old invalid. Preachers, church leaders and members should remember how precious the time is that we spend with those who are in need.


View more sermon illustrations for inspiration for your next message.

About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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