Heart Smart

JOSH BOOTSMA

A college professor had a student that he knew was physically strong in his class. His name was Micah and he was on the gymnastics team. One day the professor called Micah into his office and asked him, “Do you think you could do 300 push-ups?”

Micah was surprised. “Uhh, the most I’ve ever done in a day is 200, but I probably could, if they were broken up a little.”

“That’s perfect,” the professor said.

During next week’s class, the professor brought donuts to class, much to the delight of the students.

“Charlotte, would you like a donut?” he said to the first student seated in the front row.

“Yes,” she said.

“Micah, would you do ten push-ups so Charlotte can have a donut?” asked the professor as Micah got on the floor and did ten quick push-ups.

This pattern continued until the fifth student said, “I don’t want a donut, no.”

The professor turned to Micah. “Micah, can you do ten push-ups for the donut that Noah didn’t want?”

Micah did the push-ups, beads of sweat starting to appear on his brow. The professor placed a donut on the desk in front of Noah.

“What? I didn’t want one!” stammered Noah, but the professor ignored him.

COVENANT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

1130 East 154th St., South Holland 708-333-5955 www.covucc.org

PASTOR REV. DR. PATRICK L. DAYMOND WORSHIP SERVICES

RECONCILIATION CHURCH

833 East 168th St., South Holland 708-331-7755 www.reconciliationchurch.org

PASTOR GLEN MCCARTHY WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH

651 East 166th St., South Holland 708-331-4100 redeemer-lutheran@sbcglobal.net

WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Channel 6 Tues. 10:00 a.m.

The pattern continued, with Micah doing more and more push-ups for more and more donuts — many of which weren’t asked for but were placed on the desks anyway.

As the professor made his way to the last row, Micah’s pushups had become slow and labored.

The professor came to John, a strong young man himself.

“Can I do the push-ups myself?” asked John.

“No. Only Micah can do the push-ups for your donut.”

“Well, I don’t want a donut, then,” said John, looking sympathetically at Micah, who was breathing heavily.

“Ok. Micah, can you do ten push-ups for the donut that John doesn’t want?”

Micah took a long breath and slowly lowered and raised himself ten times. By now students were pleading with the professor to stop whatever cruel game this was. He didn’t listen.

As the last student — with tears in her eyes — refused a donut, the professor asked Micah for ten final push-ups. Micah’s shaking arms slowly finished the final set and he collapsed on the floor in total exhaustion.

FIRST CHURCH (PCA) 3134 Ridge Rd, Lansing 708-474-9610 www.firstchurchpca.org

PASTOR WYBREN OORD

FIRST ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SOUTH HOLLAND

16248 South Park Ave., South Holland 708-333-8211 www.firstchurchsh.org

PASTOR REV. DANIEL SVENDSEN WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday 9:30

ESPIRITU DE DIOS

16400 S. State St., South Holland 708-439-1220 sogfchurch.com

PASTORES Jose & Paula Lopez

SERVICIOS: Grupo de Oracion de Hombres Jueves ........................................... 7:30 p.m. Sabado Alabanza y Predicacion.....6:00 p.m.

UNITY OF NORTHWEST INDIANA

Plum Creek Center

2138 Moeller Street Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 931-5284 www.unitynwi.org ALL WELCOME

MINISTER: REV. GERALDINE COLVIN SUNDAY SERVICE.......................10:00

I first heard this illustration years ago as a way to show Jesus Christ’s free offer of salvation to everyone. Jesus Christ died so that people like you and me can have a donut, that is, so that we can have eternal life and all the benefits that come with being a child of God. Jesus’ sacrifice is offered to everyone, freely. Will you accept the free gift he offers?

Josh Bootsma Member, Covenant Fellowship Church cfcsh.org