A Yes

What does it mean to say "yes" to Jesus?

For William Borden it meant giving up his family's fortune and dedicating his life to becoming a missionary after being given a trip around the world from his parents as a high school graduation gift. On this trip, he began to feel a burden for the less fortunate of the world.

It meant not being understood by fellow classmates at Yale. One friend responded that Borden was "throwing himself away as a missionary." It is reported that after hearing this, Borden wrote in his Bible, "No reserves."

It meant Borden beginning a small prayer group on campus, By the end of his first year, 150 freshmen were part of this group.

It meant Borden reaching outside of college through ministering to drunks, widows, orphans and the disabled on the streets of New Haven. He would seek them out, buying food them as he continuously looked for ways to lead men and women to Christ.

It meant feeling called to the Muslim Kansu people of China, still astonishing his classmates that this wealthy young man would be willing to give up all he was entitled to and choose this sort of life for himself.

It meant Borden turning down high-paying job offers after graduation and once again writing in the back of his Bible, but this time the words: "No retreats."

It meant after graduating from seminary at Princeton, sailing to China, but first stopping in Egypt to study Arabic.

It meant contracting spinal meningitis in Egypt and passing away at the age of twenty-five.

In college, Borden had written in his journal, "Say 'no' to self and 'yes' to Jesus every time."

The "yes" Borden made to completely surrender his life to others was not a waste.

Why? You may ask. He did not ultimately reach his "goal."

No he didn't, but think of all the lives his touched through his committed "yes" and willingness to go to China and give his life for those he never met!

His life was a testimony, to those who looked on, of one who had no regrets in his love for Jesus and others. In fact, it is said that before his death underneath the words "No reserves" and "No retreats" Borden wrote: "No regrets."

Borden's "yes" meant a life sold out to Jesus and spreading the Good News.