Several years ago while visiting the Baptist Student Center at West Georgia College, I met a remarkable young man. Confined to a wheelchair, his speech was slurred and his movements slow and tentative. Nevertheless, it took only a few moments to discern the fire burning brightly within and the fierce determination he had to independently achieve the goals that he had set for himself. At the center of that determination, was the conviction that God had preserved his life for His own purposes.
Steve shared with me that day that he would walk again, and that he would graduate from college, no matter what obstacles faced him. I was deeply impressed by his courage. As we got to know each other better over the years, I saw some of the battles he had to fight with discouragement and depression, and got a glimpse of what his quest cost him. But I also saw him walk again, and take that college degree. I saw him reach beyond the limits that others might put on him, taking on tasks that others would find daunting even without physical disabilities.
Steve worked stints in youth ministry, summer missions, drama ministry, and ultimately announced a call to preach.
Whenever I get tired or disheartened in my ministry, I think of Steve Mitchell. I ask the Lord to give me just a portion of the desire to do His will I see in Steve. He has become a touchstone to me of the mighty things that God can do through or even in spite of our circumstances or infirmities. It is my prayer that you will be uplifted in a like manner as you read his story.
Reverend John Riley
Macedonia Baptist Church
Newnan, Georgia
