A Trip to the Lake; Being the Hands and Feet

For a few weeks now, the weekly Bible study that meets at our place has been planning on doing some sort of outreach. Yesterday we finally got to put that plan into action. It was simple really; go out to White Rock Lake with ninety cold water bottles and eighty hot dogs. Beth, Stephen, Benjamin, Kelli, Kyle, Abbey, and myself set up at a picnic table along the road. It was great to see everyone being the body and bringing their gifts and talents into the mix. Beth, Kelli, and Benjamin had made signs which we put up to let people know about the free water and hot dogs. No Jesus loves you poster (although He does), no preaching at people, just loving people. Of course it is our goal to demonstrate Christ's love for these people and not to deny our faith. Our thinking was we want to get to engage with people and show them our love for the Lord through our actions and love, and not because we wrote it on a piece of poster board. It was interesting because one of the first people to come by was a jogger named Patrick. We said hello, and he replied with, "Greetings brothers in sisters in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ." It was pretty cool. No posters, no t-shirts, no starting the conversation with, "Hey you need Jesus", but he knew what we were about. He stopped and prayed with us which was great.

We got to meet lots of interesting people. Whites, blacks, Hispanics, Indians, homosexuals, old people, young people. We like White Rock Lake and the diverse group of people that are there. It's interesting to see and know that regardless, we all need Christ. I believe the only reason that this outing was so successful was because of the prayer that went into it. We are not out there earning brownie points. We are not the focus. God gave Himself the glory, and I thank Him for that.

One thing that sticks out in my mind is how the Spirit moved and had total strangers opening up their hearts to us. I think it shows a lot about mankind these days. How they are hurting, lost, and wanting answers. How they long for fellowship, but need it with the Father to be truly satisfied. We got to pray with one couple who just moved here from Tennessee. She shared with us how her daughter may be pregnant, her son being blind in one eye, and her now being cancer free. Many wanted to know if we would be back next week. I really hope so. It would be great to make this a regular thing at a particular place and time. I think it would really help us build a relationship with people, who often come on a regular basis themselves. Thanks to everyone who has been praying for us. We love you.

"And Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.'" John 6:35