Brother Mathias Boutlier saw something special in a troubled young boy named George. The 7-year-old had been sent to St. Mary?s Industrial School for Boys by his parents in 1902. That reform school is where the two met. Brother Mathias impacted George?s life in a variety of ways, such as teaching him about baseball . . .

Everyone could see that George was extremely gifted with a bat, ball and glove. In fact, he got so good that he became a professional baseball player?a powerful pitcher who became even more famous for his long home runs. That?s when George took on a different name: Babe Ruth. As a New York Yankee, George Herman ?Babe? Ruth won four World Series titles and became the league?s all-time home run king. Still considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, George owed much of his success to the Christian man who taught him to how play.

In today?s episode, ?The Ties That Bind, Part 1,? we see the results of Katrina and Eugene taking an interest in Buck Oliver. Because of the impact they?d had on Buck?s life during the Green Ring Conspiracy (in Album 53), Buck asked to be released to them once he?d served his time.

Eugene and Katrina only knew Buck for a short time before he went into custody. Still, they made an impression. Ephesians 4:11-12 says, ?And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.? Each of us can influence the lives of others. We can encourage each other, pray together, and build each other up. Your kindness and encouragement may make a huge difference in someone?s life.