Solomon said, "Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them" (Eccl. 12:1). Denise Anderson of Route 4, Madison, Alabama has done just that!

She recently graduated from Athens Bible School where she was a member of the ABS chorus, National Beta Club and Co-editor of the school newspaper. Denise recently received the extremely high honor of being selected to participate in "America's Youth in Concert," sponsored by the University Academy of Music, Princeton, N.J. She was to tour Europe, taking in London, Paris, Geneva, Innsbruck, Venice, Florence and Rome.

However, there was one catch for this young lady of 18 with deep religious convictions who is a faithful member of the church. She would have sung religious songs to the accompaniment of musical instruments. She would also have abetted Roman Catholicism by participating in a Catholic Mass in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. While in Rome the tour would have taken in the Notre Dame Cathedral where she would have performed also. Such a wonderful opportunity for a girl of 18! But being a Christian, she made a mature decision. She would not violate her convictions. She turned down the opportunity. She did this for her Lord and declared her stand for truth and righteousness.

I was personally overwhelmed emotionally when I heard of it. I had to tell others of Denise and the example she set for others teenagers. Her mother, Alice C. Anderson must be proud of her. Surely the Lord smiles with approval. Denise, we as adults admire you and many of us wish we had the fortitude you have. God bless you!

Truth Magazine XXI: 38, p. 604
September 29, 1977