TED - CHRIST CALLING IN THE NIGHT
I woke up around 3:00 AM and the Lord said, “Write Ted a note.” I said, can it wait until morning? At breakfast at 9:00 am, He said, “Write Ted an e-mail.” Ted was one of 32 guys that were in the same golf group in Dayton. Over the years we played a few times in the same foursome. Here are excerpts from the e-mail I sent to Ted on January 22, 2020.
My note to Ted:
Subject: Thought of you
Ted, here I am in Indy. We are settled in, no tennis or golf yet. I am mainly playing cards, bowling, working out or swimming.
I was wondering if you would like a copy of my book, “On My Way.” It is a Christian self-reflection book. I will send it, if you are interested. If you like the book, share it with others. Recently I gave a summary talk on the book to a small men's group in Dayton, who did a study on the book. Last week I received a long letter from someone I do not know. He got a copy of my book from one of the guys in the group to which I spoke. In his letter he said, he bought four books on line for his two brothers, his dad and himself. They are going to have remote discussions as they study the book. He wants to come over for a presentation I am giving on the book at our church. He would like me to sign the books. I guess he is bringing his wife and a couple of friends from the base as well. The book spoke to him. It does not surprise me, because the Holy Spirit helped write it. I am not a writer.
I know Dan was getting more involved with his church when I left, maybe he would like to read it also.
Let me know what you think. I can send you a copy or send one back with the gentleman coming over from Dayton, but I need your address and a phone number wouldn't hurt.
Have a blessed day,
Clarence Gilles
From Ted on January 24, 2020
Gil,
What a pleasant surprise to get your email. Before the end of the golf season, I asked Denny why you had not been playing, and he told me that you had moved to Indianapolis to be closer to family, I think he mentioned a daughter. I hope all is going well for you, but I do miss playing golf with you as well.
I’m flattered that you would think of me, and I would love to have a copy of your book. Your timing could not be better. As a cradle Catholic I am just beginning to question a lot of the teachings of the Church, in particular what I consider to be all of its rules. I haven’t found anything yet that helps, maybe you’re the answer.
Again, I’m glad you thought of me and reached out. I hope to hear from you soon.
Ted
I called Ted the next week and he told me what was bothering him. I told Ted, that the Lord was calling him or the Spirit would not have awakened me at 3:00 am to write him a note. I told Ted that of the 32 guys in our group, he was the only one I was asked to write a note. I mentioned that his questioning may also have come from the Lord, encouraging him to seek the truth. While we were talking he got on line and ordered “On My Way” on Amazon.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8: 31-32)
I called Ted 2 weeks later. He said, in reading the book, he found out where he was. He wanted to read the book again to reflect on it. A few weeks later we talked again. I emphasized that the Lord was calling him and maybe he would like to make a Cursillo weekend this coming September. He told me his brother had made a Cursillo several years ago and how his brother said it changed his life. He said he wanted to talk to his brother about the experience.
Ted and I do not know what God has in mind for both of us, but what we do know is that God is alive in our lives today. God is calling all of us to know Christ, His son, in a new way. If you have doubts about the church or your faith, God may be challenging you to seek the truth and to develop a deeper relationship with His Son Jesus Christ.
A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (Samuel 1: 8-10)
Ask and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened to you for everyone who asks, receives: and whoever seeks, finds: and to anyone who knocks it will be opened. (Matthew 7: 7-8)
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8: 26-28)