In thinking about the friends we left in Georgia I started
to ponder the community of believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 talks about what we
should do as individuals:
24 And let
us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but
exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
That is the only thing I really miss in Georgia was the
community of friends and fellow believers we left. I think of 12 Stone church
and however large it was, you had a very tight knit group of believers. I think
of the multiple small groups I was a part of and how each formed lasting
friendships. These friendships helped each other stay on track as followers of
Jesus.
I remember the outpouring of support our family received
when my heart failed. It was amazing what had been done to help us out. I
remember the support we got rebuilding a home for “kingdom work”. This home was
a mess and within months was a beautiful home that helped a few. I think of the
work we did helping a few out where we could.
I think of Shadowbrook and the relationships from there that
have remained. How that opened our eyes to service work and how sometimes it is
not received how we would expect.
I think of Men’s Step Up, another tight group who every
Friday at 6:30 am would gathers and talk about Jesus. We would take lies from
the world and unpack them with truths from the Bible. Many close friends came
from this group that have stood beside me during some struggles in life.
I also think of Mama’s Board n Bike and the community of
friends we met from there. It was amazing the number of lives we came to know
and enjoy through this business. Sure it was a headache most of the time, but
the contact and community was wonderful. I see our “group ride” is still going
even after being closed for 5 years.
I think of today as we live in the middle of nowhere
and are slowly developing a community of friends again and wonder if it will
ever be like “home”?