My Church Family

Hebrews 10: 24-25 “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.”

I have often thought that I couldn’t imagine going through a crisis without the support of a church family. Fortunately, I have been a member of a loving church family of believers in Jesus Christ every day of my life. Recently, though, I got yet another look at how a church family functions and how truly valuable it is. The day of my dad’s death and the weeks after are perfect examples.

1. Within a couple of hours of dad’s passing, ministers called and friends sent texts, Facebook messages and emails saying they were praying and offering to help.
2. Members of our Sunday School class brought food or provided meals just when they were most needed and appreciated.  They not only fed us physically, but they listened and comforted when I cried.
3. At the visitation and funeral, the majority of those who came, other than family members, were dear friends from church.  They stood with us, gave great hugs and met the family they’d heard me talk about so much.
4. The cards started showing up in my mailbox, eventually becoming a large stack. Many sent memorials to the Baptist Children’s Home which is a ministry very close to our hearts.
5. For a whole month, I have been greeted by people as I walk in the doors of the church who learned of my dad’s passing and have been looking for an opportunity to express their sympathy.
6. My family and I were on the prayer lists for the whole church, for the choir, and for our Sunday School class.  All of those prayers were vital to our handling of the initial grief and all the decisions that needed to be made rapidly.
7. Special friends from my Bible study kept in close touch, making sure I was getting through the rough days.  They are STILL checking on me often.

My blood relatives have been great, of course.  After all, they lost a dearly loved family member, too.

But, in short, my church family PRAYED, LOVED and DEMONSTRATED HOW MUCH THEY CARED.  Soon, I’m sure, it will be my privilege to be a blessing to one of them.