Sandra Fischer - Faithwriter

The Gem in my Pocket

 

            To look at me few people suspected how thirsty I was, nor could they see the gnawing hunger inside me that I had suppressed and denied for years. In appearance my frame displayed a well-fed woman, perhaps a little more so than others, but inside, my soul and spirit were in desperate need of nourishment. I was as good as dead until I attended a life-changing Christian retreat. It was there I realized how wretched and destitute I was. The One who drew me to that time, event and place showed himself to be the Living Water and Bread of Life I needed to save my soul – my Savior, Jesus.

            I celebrated my forever birthday at that retreat some thirty-five years ago, where I clearly heard the gospel for the first time. It was the beginning of my life in Christ, a new, exciting journey. I bought a new Bible that day and began devouring it and, while I knew little about what evangelism meant, I wanted to share the life-saving food I had found with others. I was eager to find and use every tool available, so the bookstore at the retreat became my stomping ground.

            One of the treasures I discovered was at the checkout counter in a small display. In it was a little folded booklet entitled “Ready References for your Pocket Testament” containing ten sections arranged in twenty topics with scripture references, from the “A-B-C’s of Salvation” to “Great and Precious Promises.” What was most amazing about this treasure-filled booklet was how it was printed on only a half-page of regular sized paper and then folded into a neat business-card-size form which one could easily tuck into a wallet, purse, pocket testament, Bible or business card holder and keep for handy use. What a help it was to me as someone new to the Bible - to have such a compact tool to aid me in “mining” the treasure trove of God’s word.

            I still have this little gem tucked in my Bible and it has served me well. Recently I discovered how this publication started through the Pocket Testament League and how this extensive ministry began over 120 years ago when teenager Helen Cadbury sewed pockets in dresses to hold New Testaments provided by her father. The pockets made them easily portable and accessible, so they could be shared by her and her friends who sewed the pockets, too. Since then the League has blossomed into a worldwide ministry serving millions of people.

            Today the Pocket Testament League website uses internet technology to provide much more than a checkout display. Here the League presents its many resources to not only spread the gospel but to encourage believers in their daily walk as well. It’s a virtual expansion of the small pocket testament reference gem I found – providing helps ranging from evangelism tools to free daily devotionals. And the ministry doesn’t limit itself to providing products – they offer special services including free evangelism training and Bible studies, too.

            The League has something for everyone - whether someone seeking to be refreshed by what only Christ can offer as I was or for a new believer who needs guidance along his journey or for even those who have been walking with Jesus for many years. Anyone can join the League and, as a member, grow in faith and join their mission to spread the gospel and minister to people who need something more lasting in their pockets than coins and credit cards in this world.

            I encourage anyone interested in making a difference in their own lives or in the lives of others, as young Helen Cadbury and her father did, to visit the Pocket Testament League website. Whether someone wishes to learn more about the gospel or evangelism or simply to be uplifted by the many stories found there of people throughout the world who have been touched and changed by this ministry, they will find something to meet their need.

            Just as the League still offers the small reference “gem” I found and continue to use, they provide a wealth of other treasures for anyone to discover. For a rewarding experience, I encourage everyone who wants to put some “gems” into their own pockets to explore the rich lode available at the Pocket Testament League website.