Part 2 of 3

As we split off into groups, my fears cropped back up when I was assigned with Nathan and Jennifer Kramer to go on a prayer walk through Germantown and interact with the residents.  The problem is that I was focused on what R.B. Kuiper calls “man-centred Evangelism,” focusing on my own (in)abilities and on the type of reception I would receive from our neighbors.  We were quickly reminded that the power lies in the Gospel, not the teller or the hearer.  Each week, new Sojourners are teamed up with experienced leaders who guide them through—so I wasn’t being thrown to the wolves as I had imagined!  Additionally, as Austin’s story showed, there wasn’t any sort of pressure to produce results, we simply were to engage those we met, be kind, and seek to make God known through our words and deeds.  Well, as the hymn goes, “’twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved.”  Not only were we able to make new friends, but there was absolutely nothing scary and no pressure whatsoever.

We moseyed on over to St. Catherine Street, one block from the 930, and promptly ran into Colleen, who was returning from doing some shopping.  We spoke for a minute or so and as we were walking away, she called to us and suggested that we go see Bob.  We should not underestimate the value of simply listening to what our neighbors have to say.  I heard over the weekend on a Christian radio program that since 1986, the number of people who have no friends and nobody to confide in has more than tripled.  I didn’t really pay much attention at the time, but on Monday night this lack of community really hit home.

We did listen to Colleen and made our way to Bob’s house and were given a hero’s welcome.  Bob was already familiar with Sojourn because Sean Steadman, a member, had already built a much-needed handrail for him.  Bob later told us he came outside because he saw us talking with Colleen.  Bob invited us to pick vegetables from his garden and we spent a good 30-45 minutes just talking and picking and listening.  Laughter abounded as Nathan and I accepted a challenge to eat one of Bob’s chili peppers, which he assured us were not very hot.  As we began to sweat and our noses began to run, Bob and Jennifer shared a high-five and some hearty laughs.  As we left, Bob shared that he needed to get back to church, intimating that he needed to get right with God before coming back. Nathan reminded him that what we all really need is repentance for our sins and faith in the accomplished work of Christ.  We shared a prayer with Bob, set a time to pick him up for a service on Sunday and set off down the street with no less than three bags of produce.  I couldn’t believe that God used me to draw Bob to himself.  God can and does use his children to advance his kingdom!  I thought the night was over, but God still had more in store for us.  Read part three to find out the rest of the story.

Tomorrow, read Part 3 of 3 – The Harvest is Plentiful, But the Workers are Few

Steve Leach, the author of this blog, is a member of Sojourn and can be contacted at steveleach729@gmail.com.

Every Monday night, join a team of deacons and get exposed to face-to-face mercy ministry.  You will never go at it alone and will be guided every step of the way by an experienced minister of the gospel.  On Monday evenings, from 6:30pm till 8:30pm you can shadow a deacon as he/she interviews a resident with a financial need or run an errand for a family in the neighborhood or enjoy a home visitation and share the gospel with the elderly, widows, and lonely in our surrounding neighborhoods.  It will change the way you view and love your neighbors wherever you live.  Contact Jesse Moss at jesse.moss@gmail.com for more info.