How did an athlete Les knew end up in the Lord's full-time work?
The athlete ended up in the Lord's full-time work because Marilyn encouraged him to leave Iowa State University and attend a good Bible school. Her exhortation redirected his life, and he became productive in full-time service. He had been a tremendous athlete whose high school team reached the state tournament.
Les explains that this young man had been in his Saturday night class and later attended Iowa State University. Years later, Les learned he was in the Lord's full-time work. Les asked how he got into the Lord's full-time service, and the man said, "Marilyn." She had encouraged him to come out of Iowa State University and go to a good Bible school. Les connects this to the gift of exhortation, noting that she just encouraged him, and the result was a productive life.
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.