Let's Get Down to Business and Talk about Jesus
Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 MSG
Helen Sunday, affectionately called "Nell" or "Ma" by her famous evangelist husband Billy Sunday, was the woman behind the man.
He was shy and insecure, needing his wife's support. They decided to leave their three older children with a nanny so that Nell could accompany Billy in his ministry.
They met shortly after Billy's conversion. He'd been a professional baseball player before he became an evangelist. Nell taught Sunday school as a teenager, became the Intermediate Department supervisor, and was influential in youth ministry.
Billy trusted her with his career. Her loyalty made her Billy's backbone. She acted as a buffer between Billy and the outside world, enabling him to concentrate on his preaching.
Later, she also spoke at women's meetings and civic organizations and became a religious figure in her own right. She answered voluminous mail and wrote a syndicated feature called "Mrs. Billy Sunday's Column," supporting greater opportunities for women.
After Billy's death, she began her 22-year preaching ministry, encouraged young evangelists, and raised funds for Christian organizations.
Bob Jones Jr. said in her eulogy, "I can hear Ma Sunday now saying, 'That’s enough of this foolishness. Let’s get down to business and talk about Jesus.’”
I agree. Let’s get down to business and talk about Jesus with believers and those who do not believe yet.
Father, I would like to be like Ma Sunday if it's Your will. Amen.
Reprinted from
The King’s Daughters
By B J Bassett
B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.
As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a
Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on
Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 -
February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.
Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper
publishers include Focus on the Family,
Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to
God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace,
WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).
She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College,
Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft
Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life,
but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion
questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published
book.
She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm
scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.
B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and
speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story;
and coauthor of a children’s devotional My
Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000
copies sold.
As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a
Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on
Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 -
February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.
Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper
publishers include Focus on the Family,
Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to
God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace,
WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).
She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College,
Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft
Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life,
but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion
questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published
book.
She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm
scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.
A perfect start to a joyful heart.
Linda Kozar
No One Is Ever Too Old to Love Again
Mindy Steele
