Yesterday, one of our small group leaders told me of a conversation that made my day. The small group leader was checking in on a single, 70s NEHBCer. The NEHBCer's 20s grandson answered the phone. The grandson is an unbeliever, vocally opposed to the things of the Lord, and will not visit a church. He also openly lives a homosexual lifestyle.
But, when he realized who was calling the house, he proceeded to spend twenty minutes telling our small group leader how well NEHBC cares for his grandmother and how seriously we take our commitment to her. He shared about how much NEHBC means to her and how we have impacted her life.
Wow! When an unbeliever who is heavily skeptical and cynical about the local church, recognizes that NEHBC is sincere and earnest about caring for each other and spends twenty minutes sharing about it, that is a strong sign there are pockets of genuine, biblical community going on at NEHBC. We are slowly but surely becoming a healthy, living community of God. Great job, NEHBC.
I'm also very grateful for the gospel witness the young man received on two fronts. First, Jesus said, "by this they will know that you are my disciples, that you love one another." The young man's affirmation of our sincere love for his grandmother and our church member means NEHBC has made the gospel more credible to him. Amen! Second, if he openly spoke to our small group leader for twenty minutes, it means our leader treated him with great kindness and love despite his unbelief and lifestyle. He learned from our leader that he is loved no matter what by Christ and His Bride. I'm so proud of our leader.
NEHBC, we are getting there. Making disciples by teaching God's Word in an environment of sincere love. Great job.
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