Our New Sister Joanne

  Though our small church is exploding with personal and spiritual growth, we haven't seen much in the way of numeric growth for a while.  We've invited neighbors and acquaintances to our house for meals and Bible studies, but that's as far as the relationship goes.  We recently ramped up our prayers on behalf of the many people who have been invited to or participated in a Bible study.  Friday we got a little pushy with God almost demanding that He follow through on the promise that He'll give us anything we ask in His name.  What qualifies more than having someone to teach about His Son?  "Where are they?" we asked.  "Send us even one person who is ready to meet Jesus."

  If you are a praying person, you know how much work it can be and how utterly disappointing to feel like your prayers aren't being answered.  We've been exhausted and discouraged lately and needed a time of refreshing, so Terry and Maria kept the boys Saturday night so John and I could go out on a date.  On the way home, I got a phone call from Joanne, a lady who works at the YMCA child care center.  She was one of the first people I met when we moved here, and she has been to our house on a few occasions.  She even started coming to a Mark study but quit after just two meetings.  She asked if she could join us Sunday morning.  I told her we have breakfast at 10:00 am, and she was the first one here.

  Joanne told us she's been very confused and has been searching for something for a long time but wasn't sure what.  Like the Plumb song says, there's a God-shaped hole in all of us.  Joanne was becoming aware of hers and looking for a way to fill it.  In fact, she went to a spiritual advisor just two days ago.  She said the place was adorned with images of many gods, including Jesus, and the woman assured her they were all the same in the end.  This was just weeks after she went forward for an altar call at the biggest and best-known community church in the city.  They assured her she was saved, although she didn't understand how or why.  Thankfully, the counsel she received didn't sit well with her, and she continued searching.  She said she was drawn back to us and ready to hear what we had to say.  

  We spent all afternoon yesterday untangling the web of misinformation she's been carrying around for years.  Her face went from one of intent listening to almost blushing joy as the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ unfolded.  Somewhere around 6:00 pm, she said, "This makes sense and I believe it.  What should I do?"  Terry and Maria opened up their home and pool, and Hayley met us there to witness Joanne's baptism.

                                               

  Now I present our most recent church family photo.  (Joanne's standing next to me.)