Ryan Graves, 11, reads Bible through, began reading project at 9 years old
- Apr 17, 2008 - 1
When Ryan Graves was 7 years old, he made an important commitment, to read two chapters of the Bible every day until he had read it all the way through.
Now, 11 years old, Graves has stuck with his decision, finishing the task Feb. 14. He’s already begun reading the Scriptures again. “I’m in Exodus,” he says.
“I wanted to get closer in my faith to the Lord,” says Graves. He recommends reading the Bible from Genesis straight through to Revelation. “I don’t really like skipping around,” he says.
Graves likes the Gospels but also enjoys the history books. “But you can’t leave out the minor and major letters of Paul,” he says.
Graves learned a lot while reading his way through the Scripture. “I learned it doesn’t matter how young or old you are, you still have to witness to other people,” he says.
Though his mom and dad, Ronnie and Schelly Graves, didn’t discourage him from this task, they also didn’t have to remind him to read every day. “He did it all on his own,” says Shelly. “We didn’t have to coax or prod him to do it.”
His family couldn’t be prouder. His grandfather, Jessie Vaught, decided to reward the youngster’s dedication by asking friends to send Ryan letters of appreciation for his accomplishment.
So far, Ryan has received more than 30 letters from as far away as Wyoming and Chicago. He even received one from Focus on the Family.
Ryan’s home church, Cedar Glades Church of Mountain Pine, honored him for the accomplishment March 16.
During the service, Ryan, his younger brother, Chad, and another boy also received Cub Scout religious badges for completing a six-week study with Cedar Glades Church pastor, James Preuett. The boys also completed a booklet and gave a presentation at church.
“He is so dedicated and just has an unbelievable heart for God,” says Melissa Lampinen, Ryan’s aunt.
“His desire to live a godly life and to constantly increase his knowledge of the Bible surpasses most adults.”
One day, Ryan hopes to be an Eagle Scout, says Rita Vaught, his grandmother. He’s also in gifted/talented classes at school and plays chess.
Though Ryan would like to work in a science-related field when he grows up, like many young boys, he also dreams about being a park ranger, NASCAR driver, astronomer or even a professional fisherman.
“My granny came home from talking to someone at her church the other day and she said she thought I was going to be a preacher,” he says.
“It’s an option,” he says, “a very good option that I think I might enjoy.”
Whatever career Ryan commits to, one thing is certain, with God’s Word to guide his path, his future will be secure.
This article is reprinted from the April 3, 2008, issue of the Arkansas Baptist News, the newsjournal of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.
1 comments (post your own) feed
1 On May 7th, 2008, at 5:44pm, Caitlin Haynes wrote:
Hey Ryan,
Im really proud of you i know could tell you at school but you know how i am.