The following post is written by Brady Denger, a member of Rob and Lauren Maine’s Community Group.  A few weeks ago the Maine’s group decided to throw a cookout for their neighborhood.  Instead of simply giving one perspective of the cookout, they decided to ask several members of their group to share their expectations, desires, and reactions to the cookout they threw.  This is the first in a three-part series.

_____________________________________________________________________________

When we first decided to do a BBQ for our community group’s neighborhood I was excited but also doubtful that many people would come. I just wasn’t sure how many people would actually come to an event where they didn’t know the hosts or likely anybody else there.

As we prepared for the BBQ, planning the menu, acquiring tables and chairs, shopping, etc. I kept my expectations low not wanting to be disappointed. Finally the day of the BBQ arrived and we had everything set up and ready to go. Right at 5:30 our first guests arrived, a woman and her 4 year-old granddaughter. The first thing she said after introductions was how excited she was that people were finally doing something for the neighborhood. After she said that I was much more optimistic about the rest of the afternoon and I wasn’t disappointed as a steady stream of people arrived over the next hour.

I was amazed at the diversity in ages and backgrounds of people who came. One woman I talked to moved to Louisville last year to be near her elderly mother. She visited Sojourn East in December and really enjoyed it but got busy with work and hasn’t been back. She said this was the encouragement she needed to visit again.

Another woman was there with her daughter who is going into sixth grade. She is originally from Ethiopia and now works in a jewelry department in the mall. She had a great conversation with Lauren about how she is trying to reconcile her experiences in both places.

Ryan hit it off with a group of retired women and it was obvious to all they were having a lot of fun discussing where you can find the best sweet tea in Louisville, among other things.

The Martins’ next door neighbor is originally from Germany but he has lived in many different places since moving from there at a young age. Several guys were engaged in conversation with him most of the time- except when Lauren Maine was practicing her German with him. She did really well!

There were also several families that came with their children. Some were Sojourners that I had never met before and others were from the neighborhood. The newest addition to our community group, Verity Grace Martin (Joseph and Kirstin’s 3-week old baby) was also there and a topic of much conversation throughout the afternoon.

As I walked around the BBQ that day I kept noticing how comfortable everyone seemed, how conversation flowed and how the love of Christ was evident in the way that my community group members were reaching out to people. I was left with no doubt that the Lord had blessed our time together with our neighbors and answered our prayers to build relationships with them. Several of our guests asked to have another BBQ soon and next time want it to be a potluck so that they can contribute. I’m really looking forward to being able to do this kind of event again and diving into deeper relationship with our neighbors.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:16)p.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

To apply for a Seed Grant so that your Community Group can throw an amazing cookout for your neighborhood and begin to know your neighbors, fill out this form.