“I’m going to say something,” I would say within,

“When I see my neighbor, my good friend.”

We developed a relationship living side by side:

In each other we could trust and also confide.

We talked about family, the weather and the game

But I never mentioned the Gospel - Oh, what a shame.

Our wives would go shopping and the kids would play,

And each time I thought, “I’ll say something today.”

But over and over, at night while in bed,

I’d think of the things that I had left unsaid.

“Tomorrow I’ll do it, the Gospel I will share -

No longer will I be silent to a soul in despair;

For it’s such a good message and one that he needs -

To the truth of God’s word, we must all give heed.”

But then the next day the chance would pass by.

Yet, again I said nothing and I still can’t say why.

But this is the process many times now repeated -

Opportunities came and opportunities were defeated.

Now, with my neighbor, I will never share God’s Word

Even though I hold in my hand the spiritual sword.

Now tears overflow my eyes as I bow my head to pray,

“I’m truly sorry, Father, I never found something to say.”

And, “Please forgive me - I’m ashamed to even ask it”

Because my last view of my neighbor was him in his casket.

                                                      --RC

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that

  believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

(Mark 16:15-16)