UMR Communications is offering the latest headlines in the RSS format.
Features
Legacy of faithful churchgoer inspires future class leader Boyce Bowdon, Apr 25, 2007
Boyce Bowdon
By Boyce Bowdon Special Contributor
When Beth Troop was growing up near Morris, N.Y., she was drawn to "a beautiful, white building with a tall, pointy roof and large, wooden doors." She passed it every Sunday when she rode to town with her mother and sister for groceries. She seemed to sense that something would happen in 'that place' that would change her life.
Let's let Ms. Troop tell her story:
"Every Sunday I asked if we could go to 'that place.' Each time my mother replied, 'Not today; they will be coming out soon.' By the time we came back by from shopping, people were spilling out the doors, and for another week I remained curious about what went on inside.
"Shortly after I began school, my kindergarten bus driver, Mrs. Lull, asked my mother if she could pick up my 7-year-old sister and me for Sunday school. So, the following Sunday morning my mother dressed us in pink and blue crinoline dresses, gave us each a quarter, and told us Mrs. Lull would pick us up-which she did, smiling in her maroon VW station wagon.
"Before long I realized we were going to 'that place.' I was so excited! I would finally see inside! I even found out it was called 'church.' On that day I sat around a table in a class of other kindergarten students and began to learn about Jesus.
"As the years went on, Mrs. Lull also picked up other children. We were rural dwellers, so she drove many miles each week. Yet, she never complained or grew tired of her work. Since we had plenty of time on our route, as she drove she also quizzed us on the week's memory verses and names of books of the Bible.
"I will never forget Mrs. Lull, who drove me to 'that place' I had been drawn to before I even knew its name. Because of her commitment, I was introduced to the Lord, and I have remained involved in Sunday school. Her tireless, faithful service will always be an example to me." Today, Ms. Troop and her husband, Bill, live in Beach Lake, Pa. They have two children who are young adults and a daughter still at home. "Beth is one of the most modest people I have ever known," says Mark Terwilliger, pastor of Beach Lake United Methodist Church. "She is also very creative and takes great initiative."
Ms. Troop is more than just 'involved' in Sunday school. She is superintendent of Beach Lake's Sunday schools, teaches a class for ages 18 to 30, leads children's church once a month, writes skits the UMYF puts on at Christmas and Easter, co-chairs a fellowship for women who have not yet reached retirement and serves on the church's staff relations committee.
Ms. Troop was right when as a child she sensed that what was to happen in 'that place' would change her life. It did, thanks to Sunday school and to behind-the-scenes Christians like Mrs. Lull.
Dr. Bowdon is a freelance writer in Oklahoma City.
Boyce Bowdon
