Walking Epistles

Sammy Mason was a stunt pilot and a committed follower of Jesus Christ. He also was a flight instructor at the Santa Paula Airport in California. One day a man came to see him about some flight training, because he had recently purchased an antique Stearman biplane. The man’s name was Steve McQueen. Having conquered auto racing and motocross, the world-famous actor wanted to learn how to fly.

McQueen had been raised by an alcoholic mother who had little to no time for him, and he had spent time at the Boys Republic in Chino Hills. He had ascended to the top in Hollywood and was making millions of dollars, yet there was a big hole in his heart.

McQueen spent hours in the cockpit with Sammy Mason, and he admired him. One day he asked his instructor what his secret was, and Mason told him about his faith in Jesus Christ. Then McQueen asked if he could attend church with him. They went to Ventura Missionary Church, where Pastor Leonard DeWitt preached the gospel and invited people to come to Christ at each service. After a few weeks passed, McQueen had an extended conversation with the pastor, which resulted in McQueen’s committing his life to Jesus Christ.

We have heard of Steve McQueen, but we probably hadn’t heard of Sammy Mason. One person can make all the difference. We all have something to do. We all have a sphere of influence. We want to do what we can while we can.

If you’re a believer, then you are a representative of Christ. You may be the only Christian some people ever will know. It’s been said that Christians are walking epistles, written by God and read by men. You may be the only Bible that some people ever read.