The 'Hayford Street Gang' Story

There was a short time in my life when I dreaded going to school. School itself was fine-- it was just getting there and getting home again-- you see, I lived on Magnolia Avenue, and I had to watch out for the Hayford Street Gang.
Most of the time I walked to school with the Magnolia Avenuekids. As long as three or four of us were together we felt safe. Butit could be seriously damaging to your health if you got caught allalone by the Hayford Street Gang.
And then one night it happened! I had to stay after school andthe rest of the Magnolia Avenue kids for some reason or anothercouldn't wait. I had to walk home alone. I started down KalamazooStreet with the sincere hope I wouldn't- - but I did!
I had only goneabout a block from the Allen Street School when I looked about anotherblock down the street and there-- there I saw--The Hayford StreetGang! I knew I was going to get beat up.
My mind began racing-- in one split second I thought--" I'll rundown this driveway and over the fence-- no, I'm not sure what's inthat back yard-- I'll turn around and run back to the school-- no,maybe its locked now-- O God! What will I do? "
Just then I saw HIM--a big kid from the Junior High School walking down Kalamazoo Street inthe same direction as I was walking, catching up with me.
I smiled at him:"Hey, Can I walk along with you? See those kidsup there? They're after me!" He said, "Sure-- I don't care!"
So I fell into step with him, just as if he was my big brotheror something. I really didn't know him at all, but I kept smiling athim and talking as we came nearer and nearer to-- the Hayford StreetGang! And when we came right to where they were they parted-- justlike the Red Sea-- and WE walked through and on past-- one block, twoblocks-- clear to my corner where I turned for home. And I said,"Thanks!" and ran down Magnolia Avenue where I was safe.
That day that big Junior High kid was my CHAMPION!
How many times since then I have faced situations where I wasgoing to get beat up! There have been threats far more serious thanthe Hayford Street gang.
Then I’ve ‘looked up’ and there was a Champion already walking beside me!
Where do you suppose Jesus is, right now?

-from the sermon "The Champion"-- a true story!