Christ in Our Community

Joe, Nate and Tim showed up first which quickly turned into a backyard bocci ball game.  A little while later Lucy, Nychelle and I sat around the fire enjoying its warmth and enduring its smoke as we discussed everything from rafting to apologetics.  Inside others stood around the kitchen counter preparing the shish kabobs for the grill.  Xavier strummed the guitar sending its melody throughout the house.  This was our last small group meeting for awhile, and we wanted it to be a special time. 

Small groups have played a key role in our family for quite a long time now. Togetherness happens here.  We pray together, eat together, think together, laugh together, discuss together, grow together, hang out together, open up together, worship together, and encounter Christ together. 

Our first serious foray into this realm began twelve years ago when we lived in the double wide beside the round house in Shady.  Diana would cook up a simple meal of beans and rice, then we would wait for the outside adventure folks to descend and devour.  Sometimes two or three would come, but more often than not the place was packed.   Music and song flowed spontaneously with prayer and scripture mingled throughout.  Afterwards tea and dessert kept us together to talk and catch up with each other.  Life on life happened.  Struggles were shared, plans were made, insight was given, Christian fellowship was developed. 

When we took up residence in Mexico another small group eventually came together.  It was different- taking on its own personality and distinctive.  This group was intercultural, so we had to feel our way along, but eventually barriers began to come down.  Food would always be served after worship, except this time it was corn tortillas and roasted chicken.   

Arriving home we needed someone who would listen, care for us and be available in some of our darkest moments.  The Lord provided just the couple and group we needed as we set off on a two year journey of sharing authenticity, admitting struggles, and discovering the gracious fullness of Christ. 

Tonight as we conclude, Diana and I want to inspire this group of young adults to always seek out true community.  I remind them that God is always at work in their lives.  Diana tells them that being together is a highlight of our week.  She shares that our time outside of vocational ministry is teaching us to be content and to trust what God is doing in our lives. All together we are experiencing Christ in our community.