PIERRE was a young shepherd boy who with others about his age kept sheep and goats on the mountainside and hills during the summer months.
In the nearby mountain village a Christian man had built a little gospel mission where God’s Word could be preached and the young instructed in the gospel.
Among the first who came to Sunday school was Pierre. He knew very little when he first came, but he became very interested after hearing the story of God’s love for the first time. One Sunday afternoon just before he left he said to the lady teacher: “I would like so much to have a New Testament. While I look after the sheep and the goats I should be so happy to read the Testament as I lie on the grass in the sun.”
They gladly gave him a New Testament, and Pierre went off with his treasure. The following week when he returned he gave them a happy surprise. “Jesus is mine,” he said. He had read the Book, he believed God’s Word, and was truly saved.
The next time Pierre came to Sunday school he asked for a hymn book so that he might sing praises to God, and this too he received. Then the following week he brought a companion, Jean. Jean also believed and was saved.
In the weeks that followed, the old roads and paths that wound through the forests and over the hills rang with the songs of a circle of happy shepherd boys who had believed the gospel. Many a happy day they spent there together, reading the Book that had given them light. Soon they were telling this wonderful story to others, whose hearts were also made glad by the joyful tidings?
O happy day, that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Saviour and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.
Happy day! happy day!
When Jesus washed my sins away.
He taught me how to watch and pray,
And live rejoicing every day.
Happy day! happy day!
When Jesus washed my sins away.
ML-05/16/1976