Thirty years ago this summer, a troubled young man of 17 was searching in all too many places for answers and finding mostly trouble. After running from the truth for several years and rebelling against family, God and friends the moment came when once again the faithfulness of a loving God would confront this wayward youth.

It was a hot August Sunday night at the Carroll County Fair and during the intermission of the 4- H Queen competition a group of young people were sharing their faith in song and testimony. This group was know as "His Reflection". As one of the young men shared his story of finding out about the loving relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ and how it was not about a formal traditional religion, there was in the back of the crowd an old friend. Hiding in the shadows, this troubled teen was listening to every word. Memories of the truth of the gospel message taught to him in Sunday School raced through his heart and mind.

Knowing that he had been confronted again by the compassion of God, this young man made a life changing decision on the way home that night. Shortly thereafter he joined that singing group and went on to preach the gospel from that point until today. Yes, as you may have guessed that young man is me and now I find myself about to return to the scene of the uncrime.

On July 12 "His Reflection" will be 'in concert' at the Carroll county Fair once again, thirty years later!!

What was then considered to be contemporary Christian music is now called "oldies" and I guess so are we too, some! But that does not change the incredibly significant event and chain of events that took place that night so long ago.

I often find myself saying that if "hind sight is 20-20" then foresight is blind. That has become a life lesson for me and many who follow Christ.

The Psalmist records in the 23rd Psalm, "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake." If we were to know in advance where that path would lead ten, twenty or thirty years down the road many of us would simply laugh out loud or possibly say, "No Way!" However, that is why God does not show us the end from the beginning otherwise what would we need faith for. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us even when that path is often through some kind of trial or trouble.

So on July 12 come out to the fair at 3:30 p.m. and be a part of the blessing of a reunion to see how the wonderful plan of God has turned out.

Alan Wyant is the pastor at the Sharon Baptist Church.