A Debt

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When Bill was 28 years old, an outgoing British-American lady by the name of Dawn Drake finally convinced Bill that he needed Jesus more than he needed anything or anyone else. She invited him to church. He walked through the doors of Bethel in St. Peters early one Sunday morning. Since then, his life has never been the same.
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Dennis and Linda Krog (pictured above) were instrumental in helping Bill when he was first born again. Bill says, "They babysat me and gave me my first home Bible study." The Krogs, both originally from Iowa, were in St. Louis attending Gateway College of Evangelism. They took Bill under their wing and helped him change his life. They gave him advice and instruction. They taught him how to live for God. He remembers powerful prayer meetings in their home that helped birth in him a love for prayer.
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The Krogs believe that the gospel is powerful enough to change anyone, no matter how bad a person's life might be. Through the years they have invested themselves in people, not only in St. Peters, but in Austin, Minnesota, in Marion, Iowa, and now in Fort Dodge, Iowa. We have watched them though the years, as they give of themselves to people that others wouldn't or couldn't reach. Many people have been affected by their ministry.
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Bill loves the Krogs and deeply appreciates the influence they had on his life. As Bill's wife, I too am grateful that two busy people gave of themselves to love my husband, to encourage him and help him.
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The body of Christ is beautiful. I can look back on my life and list people who helped make me what I am today. We are nothing more than a compilation of the influence of many people who guide us and show us how to live for the Lord. When we cross over to the other side, none of us will be able to say that we made it there on our own. We will be indebted, not only to Jesus, but to one another.
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To the Krogs, we say "thank you" but saying "thank you" is not enough. We will forever be in debt to them and others. "Thank you" is insufficient to repay them for the time and love they've given. But, with the help of the Lord, what we want to do is help others and offer them a hand-up. As we have received, so do we want to give.