My dad grew up in the little Oklahoma town of Headrick.
When he was a boy, another boy, about a year older than him, would pull a wagon to my grandparents’ house.
My grandparents had an outdoor water faucet, and one day the boy asked my dad if he could have some water. My dad went inside to ask his father.
My granddad didn’t hesitate.
“Come get all that you need.”
So my dad helped him fill several gallon containers. The boy loaded them into his wagon and pulled them home, where his family used the water for cooking, bathing, washing clothes…whatever they needed.
Years later, that boy, Merle, grew up, became an engineer, and built a successful career. Somewhere along the way, he realized there had to be more to life than success.
He gave his life fully to Christ, completed Evangelism training, and began going door to door sharing the gospel. Today, at 85 years old, he is still faithfully doing the same thing.
As he walked from house to house over the years, people often offered him bottled water. Before long, he found himself coming home with bags full of it.
Recently, I talked to Merle because I wanted to make sure I remembered the story correctly. During our conversation, I mentioned something I had often heard about him—that he had chosen to live simply so he could give generously.
Then he said something I’ll never forget.
“I live to give.”
I’ve thought about those words ever since.
My grandparents simply gave a thirsty boy water.
Years later, that same boy spent his life pointing people to the Living Water.
Maybe that’s what it looks like to live to give.
“Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.” — Matthew 10:42
The Water Wagon
My dad grew up in the little Oklahoma town of Headrick.When he was a boy, another boy, about a year older than him, would pull a wagon to my grandparents’…
Comments
15 responses
Very Kool ! We should all strive to live to give. Thanks for sharing this .
I agree. Thank you for reading ❤️
Such an inspiration for us all.
Renee, I agree ❤️
I try to live to give but fail sometimes 😫I know it’s forgiven but work myself up over it. But I try
Oh Sabine, us too!
Merle has set some high standards. He is so interesting to talk to. He lives in Arizona now, but plans on coming to Oklahoma in September to a reunion. I am excited to get the opportunity to meet him.
I love our sweet family❤️
🥰
I know a few other people from the Wolfe Family that have ALWAYS followed that live to give belief. God placed them on a path of love and support. They have never wavered and remained faithful to their calling for over 30 years in our local towns.
Rick and Renee have done more for the community of Lawton/Elgin than just about anyone I know.
Since they arrived here from Baton Rouge, they immediately make an impact on our community and so many individuals lives.
I would not even dare to guess how many hundreds of coat drives, food drives and school supply drives for children, food and clothing for battered and abused woman.
Not to mention the continued support for so many veterans needing assistance and their assisted living facilities.
Michelle and her husband have done the same in the Altus area. Their answer to the call of the Christian path has led them to bring children into their home and raise them as their own.
I’ve always been so impressed with the philanthropic heart our good Lord placed in Jack, Barbara & their Children.
I pray God continues to Bless the Wolfe Family. (Rick, Renee, Derek, Brittney, Lacey their Children, Michelle, Her Spouse and their children.
Jim, thank you so much for your kind words about our family! It’s only by God’s grace that we are able to share with others as Christ shares with us. We’re truly blessed.
Michelle, You are all truly special people. I’m so thankful to have had the honor to be involved with you all for many years.
I believe your husbands name was John, but wasn’t positive. Can you please confirm that. My sincerest apologies for my temporary lapse in names.
Unfortunately, I have not had the pleasure of seeing you all for a very long time.
God Bless you and your Family. Please extend our best wishes and continued prayers.
Thank you 😊
Yes, his name is John…and no worries at all!
It has been a long time. We have been living an adventure the last few years. We moved back to Lawton last year. I am blessed to get to be closer to my family here. I usually see Rick a couple times a week.
What a beautiful story and lesson!❤️
😊 thank you
What a beautiful story and lesson!❤️