“This is a good book. I think you’ll like it.” Ms. Lewis then gave me a paperback copy of “The Cross and The Switchblade” which tells the true story of country preacher, Bruce Wilkerson, who answers God’s call to work with youth struggling with gangs and drugs in the slums of NY City. I was a junior in high school and had just started preaching. Ms. Lewis was an elderly member of my church and my English teacher. I’m sure part of her hope was that I would develop of love of reading. I did enjoy the book and today I enjoy reading…though I have to admit I don’t read much fiction. I like biographies best…so maybe she did have a big influence on me. I’ve always been thankful she was interested me and my future.

There are a handful of teachers from my past who stand out because of either the quality of their teaching or the interest they took in my growth and success…or both. Ms. Lewis was one of those.

Earlier today I was at the Rock Hill School District’s annual celebration to kick-off a new school year. The Northwestern High School gym was packed with more than 2,000 teachers and staff members. Each of them received a black bag containing supplies…a gift from FBC and a few other churches in Rock Hill that are partnering together to let this community know that God loves them and so do His people. Information about each church was also in each bag.

A lot of people worked different days this week to pack the bags, transport them to Northwestern, and place one on each seat in the gym. Hundreds more, including many of you reading this, donated the supplies. A big thank you goes to each one who helped. A special thank you goes to Jamie Burdette and LeAnn Skroban.

We had the word “influence” printed on the front of each bag, along with the definition “the capacity of persons to be a compelling force on the actions, behavior, and opinions of others.” Teachers have that capacity. Ms. Lewis was a positive influence in my life.

Say a prayer for our teachers as a new year of school begins next week.

Pastor Steve Hogg