Notable Conversations

One of the young women who works for our apartment complex loves to see Ella (who wouldn't?), so when we take Ella for a walk we usually go by the main office. The woman, I'll call her "Grace", came out yesterday to see Ella and talk with us. We spoke for a few minutes out by the big water fountain the Ella likes so much.

So, Nicole talks about how we're missionaries about to move to Australia and Grace listens and inquires curiously. The conversation had almost come to an end when I say, "So, Grace, what's your faith background?" She talks a little bit about how her fiance's family are from a particular religious group and they tried going along with them, but it just didn't take. Then, with genuineness and enthusiasm she says, "I believe in God. I thank Him everyday. I have a relationship with God." I take the message as, "I'm good. I don't need more religion. Everything's fine. Don't bombarde me with information." I just say, "Well, good," but I wonder whether I should invite Grace to church services with us or have she and her fiance over for a meal. How could we possibly fit a meal in with them and what does she need our church for if she's so satisfied and enthusiastic without an organized church?

So, today I am walking around with Ella by the fountain and Grace comes out. I'm thinking, "I should invite them to church services, I really should." She greets Ella as usual, but then asks confidently, but without direct eye contact, "So, where do you and your wife go to church?" I say, "Round Rock church of Christ . . . and . . . [a little bit of an awkward stutter] we'd love to have you and your fiance join us some time." She says, "Yeah, for a while now I've just really felt like . . . GO!" She inquires further about what time and where the church meets and we go to her desk where she can write directions, and Nicole's phone number and I get to show Ella off to other staff.

What did I learn? I learned the same thing I always learn: God is at work in human hearts and lives. Not that I have an unessential role, but my role is secondary to His.

It is certainly true that, " . . . he commands everyone everywhere to turn to him and change the way they think and act."

But it is also true that, "He has given them the seasons of the year and the boundaries within which to live. He has done this so that they would look for God, somehow reach for him, and find him. In fact, he is never far from any one of us. Certainly, we live, move, and exist because of him."

He is never far from any one, even one away from church. Yet, there is something we are missing if we don't have the "God's people" connection.

In fact, I would say this "God's people" connection is in the three most core beliefs that I hold:

I believe there is one Creator God, meaning Lord over and Redeemer in all things.
I believe He raised Jesus from the dead, a sign of God's ultimate authority and re-creative power.
I believe the world needs to be connected to God's people and vice versa because God has the highest stake in them for His new creation.