Friends and fishing

This Sunday was brilliant. As we began the long trek home late in the afternoon, I was exhausted but also feeling the weight of Christ's joy. What a day it was. During service, the ladies certainly sang beautifully, and our new band additions have been great; also, the new furniture was nice to see, but this Sunday was significant for more reasons than that.

2 things happened Sunday after service that really set the day off in a beautiful way.

#1. My family and I were invited to a Grace member's house after the service. When we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms, great food and a true sense of hospitality. Not only was the host family wonderful, but we were given the opportunity to meet many people from Grace with whom we had not yet talked. The weather held out; our kids cried minimally, and we departed in the late afternoon. Charity and I were both were saying the same thing as we drove away, "These people are great. What a blessing it is to be part of this family." What a joy it is to serve with all of you.

#2 The other thing that happened Sunday was that I was informed that one of the people who has been attending Grace in recent weeks accepted Christ as his savior. It was something for which a number of us had been praying. And it just about brings tears of joy to my eyes, to think that GBC in a small way has been part of this man's faith journey. I could not have been happier than to hear of our new brother's decision. Can you think of anything better to be part of as church family... but that the grace of Christ covered and won another precious soul? This is kingdom work, and I pray that week after week, we begin hearing of more people who are responding to the call of God in this way.

My encouragement to you is this... while the work can be difficult at times, the greatest sense of satisfaction and joy are reserved for those who have tirelessly prayed and worked to bring about God's purposes for His glory. Those that share their home and share their faith show Christ's love in a tangible way. We each have the opportunity to be part of God's process in changing people's eternity. Remember... followers fish. That is what we do.