COMMUNITY

One by one they came. There was the sound of laughter, hellos, we finally meet, love your blouse, so good to see you again….the smell of barbecued pulled pork, the apple pumpkin candles burning, and the fireplace lit. As each person got a plate, we began to share our stories. There was some laughter, tears, and something special…a new community. Like any new home group, our backgrounds are diverse, our current state of affairs tenuous, but all had one thing in common…we wanted to know the Bible better for our own personal lives and to share Jesus. Halfway through I got teary eyed. These were some of the most amazing people, from all walks of life, and yet they came to learn even more. We had prayed for these people, though we didn’t have a name or even a face, for many months. Our coach, Kelly, from CCV, kept encouraging us to start this group. Kev and I were alerted by a few in the group that there might be some special needs. After just one meeting, two couples were helped. That is what you call a “Jesus’s Community”. It was an example from the churches in Acts where Paul instructed them to share resources so that everyone was cared for in the name of Jesus. And that was just the first meeting. God did not intend for us to go through this life alone, but rather, with the support and encouragement from others. How about you? Are you feeling alone, displaced, wandering with no real direction? God has a place for you, a community that has been waiting just for you….because each of us bring different gifts that benefit the whole body..in Jesus. I’m grateful for this group of people and can’t wait to see what God is going to do. I pray that you too, will seek out your community, who can help you in your personal walk with God and remind you that you are loved, valued, and have purpose.