Every month we have a fellowship meal after Sunday
service. These meal times are a
highlight for our whole family and church.
It is a great time to invite somebody new to service because there is
FOOD. While food is exciting, it is the ministry and fellowship that takes place
that sometimes bring us to tears and fill our heart with joy. When we first
began these meals things were cold, cliquey and a bit boring, but as Jesus
transforms people and we continue to share the vision and example of Christian community
things are changing.
Just this last month I was able to observe a handful
of different people from our church minister to visitors. One was at our book and resource table. Several others spread around at different
tables. Another in the kitchen. None of these conversations were with people
they had personally invited. One man
shared about the need to press into God deeper on days when we feel it as well
as days when we do not feel the need or desire.
Another lady was encouraging somebody who had just given her life to
Jesus during the service and had been going through a difficult season. There
was prayer, encouragement, counsel – words from the Bible were shared, time and
laughter, tears and hugs were also exchanged.
Another woman was sharing about how God carries us
through the hard times and how the church is a family that helps one another
live a victorious life, the type of life that God wants us to have. Another lady was sharing her testimony with a
visitor. We were not sitting at that
table, but it was powerful to watch and observe the richness of the
conversation from afar. It is amazing
what the Holy Spirit, food and God’s people can stir up in just a short time
after a worship service. Lives continue
to be changed as they confront the reality of God’s grace and love and His plan
and purpose for them.
Please pray with us this month for an even greater
increase in these God-connections and relationships. It is exciting to see how new relationships
are being forged in the church and they do not need to depend on us anymore. We are getting to meet spiritual
grandchildren and soon hope for great-grandchildren. Our school year is winding down and as we
prepare for summer we look forward to a season of deeper relationship building. Most of the families we work with are unable
to take vacations so often there are more
opportunities to connect with one another in the city during this season. We have a sport’s camp at the end of this month, and then next month will
take our children and youth to summer
camp. We will be spending more hours
in homes visiting people and doing
other activities out and about during these longer days.
Thank you for your prayers as we continue to
minister the love of God and share the vision of restored relationships through
Jesus in South Central Los Angeles,
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