We are living in a time of storms. Storms in the weather, storms in politics, and gut wrenching storms of horrific events that we can never understand. Storms are completely out of our control. That is partly what makes them so frightening. They make us feel so helpless and vulnerable. Storms burst into our lives uninvited and leave unforgettable damage and debris on the ground and in our hearts. Whats left behind is ugly, messy and leaves us wondering and wishing for a way to prevent future storms from ever happening again.
After a storm sometimes there is a rainbow, a colorful reminder of hope in God’s promises. Storms can also leave behind great beauty. The calm after the storm gives an opportunity for love to shine. Storms strip away all the material things we hold onto and hide behind. They force us to come out from behind our walls and face one another. We realize we need each other. Every barrier is put aside and we are able to offer our help and kindness unhindered by prejudice or pride that normally keep us apart. One lady interviewed in Key West after hurricane Irma remarked that she had never felt such joy even after her home is destroyed. She said she was so thankful she still had her life and her family and that was what really mattered. Although we would never invite storms of chaos or tragedy in our lives or in our country, we must admit storms really can make our sprits stronger and refocus our hearts to what really matters.
Recently as I sat in our small church gathering in our living room, with people and bibles and cups and babies scattered around on the couches and on the floor, I felt as though I was sitting in the eye of the storm. Here we were in the midst of our busy lives, learning from the Word and learning to lean on one another. For this few hours each week we are given an opportunity to rest our souls. We bear each other's burdens. We share the ups and the downs and we praise God for what He has done and wait on him for what He will do. Each of us can bring our storm shattered souls and find hope and healing in the fellowship of other believers. That’s what church is all about! Church is a people, not a place. A God given community where we can find peace and shelter in this crazy storm of our everyday lives. Our hope is that you too are part of a church. Not as just another thing to-do, But simply so you can experience the joy and beauty of real love amongst real people and a real God.
The Johnson’s are a family who have certainly experienced their share of storms in their lives. I’m sure they would tell you the storms have made them stronger in the Lord. Jon approached Landon the Sunday we announced we were leaving MVBC to start a new church in Goffstown. He shook his hand in the parking lot and said something like “Hi, I’m Jon Johnson. Me and my wife Tia are going to move to Goffstown and help you guys start this church. We’re IN! Totally 100% in!” Since we had never even met this guy before we were blown away by his enthusiasm and excitement. Landon and I looked at each other wide eyed convinced that God would build His church. God has continued to use Jon’s faith to encourage us along the way. God provided them with a house about 1 minute away from our house, on Church Street. They moved in right after we moved here in June. It’s been a blessing to get to know them and their two little boys Landon and Levi.
Take a moment today to thank God for giving us the Church: a place of shelter in this world of chaos. Thank you so much for your prayers.
Prayer request: this coming weekend is the Pumpkin Regatta here in town. We are planning to have a booth to engage as many people as we can about the church. Pray we make great connections!
Sarah