Monday, January 23, 2012

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.)
                         

14 comments:

  1. Fabulous! Give Joanne a hug from her brother and sister in Christ in Nashville!

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  2. I love reading your updates.

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  3. And the church says..... AMEN! Thank you blessed heavenly Father! He knows just what we need and when. Sometimes we need to see a harvest to keep our energy to keep planting seeds! Please tell her she has a whole group of people in Springtown, Texas who consider her family and will be praying for her growth. Love to all!!

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  4. OMG! That's so awesome. I got goosebumps reading this! Please tell her we say "Welcome the the family of Christ!" I remember Maria said this to me right after I was baptised and it made me so happy =) Love you guys!

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    1. Jenna,
      I was going to call you with the news, but I'm so glad you saw it here. We are very happy to have Joanne join our little family. We just said last night how much we miss you guys.
      Love,
      Sam

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  5. It is so wonderful to have a new sister.

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  6. Praise God for His Salvation has come to us and now to this new sister.

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  7. Do not be discouraged! One precious soul is as important as 100 (remember the 99 sheep!). Also – Noah preached for around 120 years and converted NO ONE but he was acceptable to God because he did what he was asked to do. You can only share the gospel – the rest is up to God! Keep up the good work – and take care of each other.

    God Bless you!

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  8. I can't wipe the smile off my face. How many times can I say AMEN? Please give Joanne a big hug from the Blumes and her entire family in POA. Let her know how big her new family is. As I read your blog I was reminded of a verse I read this morning: "Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the Lord do for you. Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren." Deuteronomy 4:9 We completely understand your discouragement at times and wondering if prayers will be answered. I had read this verse a couple of years ago and put, "verse for the Blume family" beside it. How easy it is for me to forget sometimes all the awesome things God has done for my family. This verse was a great reminder again for me this morning and then I read your blog and thought it would encourage you and John. When you guys have those discouraging times again, and we both know those times will come again for both of us, let God remind you (us) of what He did with Joanne and be encouraged. And then remind your boys and tell your grandkids some day of His awesome faithfulness as you guys prayed specifically for Joanne. God, the creator of everything, listened to you and John and answered. How cool is that? Hope we get to meet Joanne in person some day but if not, we'll have eternity to catch up. Stay strong. We love you guys! Kevin

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  9. Irmãos estamos acompanhando o mover de Deus em suas vidas...e também quero saudar em nome dos irmãos brasileiros a nossa nova irmã Joanne. Deus abençoe.

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    1. Obrigada por este encorajamento. Joanne vai gostar saber que tem uma família no Brasil.

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  10. Wow that gives me chills. I need to hear things like this sometimes to wake up spiritually. Love y'all :-)

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