Not everyone who commits his or her life to God will be called to be world famous. The majority of us are called to fulfill less noticeable roles in our churches, schools, communities, and families. Yet only God may know how significant our roles are to the future of thousands–even millions.
A century and a half ago a humble minister lived and died in small village in Leicestershire, England. He lived there his entire life and never travelled far from home. He never attended college, had no formal degrees but was a faithful village minister. In his congregation was a young cobbler to whom he gave special attention, teaching him the Word of God. This young man was William Carey, later hailed as one of the greatest missionaries of modern times. The village minister also had a son-a boy whom he taught faithfully and constantly encouraged. The boy’s character and talents were profoundly impacted by his father’s life. That son grew up to be a man many considered the mightiest public orator of his day: Robert Hall. Widely admired for his saintly character, his preaching was powerful and his sermons influenced the decisions of statesmen. It seems the village pastor accomplished little in his life as a preacher. There were no spectacular revivals, great miracles, or major church growth. But his faithful witness and Godly life had much to do with giving India its Carey and England its Robert Hall.
When you think you are having no impact in the world, remember the little country preacher who influenced two nations for the Lord. The mustard seed… Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Matthew 13:32 (KJV)