Entertaining soldiers unawares
We had a special blessing yesterday.
Two young American soldiers visited our church. They were on leave from many months serving in Iraq.
They left the hell of the deserts of ancient Babylon to find some relief in Cairns. They found our church on the web and wanted to come.
They had not been able to go to church for a long time and perhaps just as bad, had enjoyed no home cooked meals.
They were two believers hungry for fellowship and the Word of God.
It was our privilege to have them with us for lunch afterwards and enjoy some fellowship.
Thankfully, we also had family staying, who like the Master, were able to multiply the bread and fishes for our surprise visitors.
I learned again that you never know what a ‘Sunday can bring forth’.
God can bring us visitors, whether locals or from the ends of the earth, even Iraq.
We need to be available for them. Treat them well, for these labours are not forgotten by Christ.
Some of our visitors will find the demands of Bible preaching onerous, the traditional music boring, but at least they shouldn’t fault us for being unfriendly.
At least we can love them.
I also learned that we should value every sermon we hear.
No, not the sermons you download and put on your IPod.
The real sermons.
The ones you hear when you assemble with God’s people and there is a pulpit at the front and centre and a Bible passage is being proclaimed and explained.
Our visitors were thirsty souls had not heard a sermon while gathered with the brethren for months.
How many sermons do I listen to that I treat so flippantly?
So whatever you do next Sunday, look out for any visitors, especially the first timers.
‘Us’ regulars should be lining up to meet and greet them.
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Hebrews 6:10
Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:1-2
By Robert Apps
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Well put! Even though I was in the midst of preparing for the Bob Jones University summer team’s arrival today, it would have been easy to think I didn’t have time to go the extra mile for these “strangers”. However, we all know it is more blessed to give than to receive and that our ministry is our life touching another life for the Lord. God brings people along our path all the time to minister to and are we always taking the opportunities He sends? There is more to life than our little world. Thank you, Lord, for this reminder to ready in season and out of season.
and thank you Nanna for getting lunch ready:) (while doing a few other things at the same time). you take multi tasking to a new level.
Thank you for your kindness and hospitality to our serviceman. I served in the American military and many times I sought out a place to worship and to fellowship with believers when I was overseas. I was always so grateful for the Christian fellowship when being so far away from my home and family. May God bless you and your church for ministering to these soldiers unawares.
Nanna was just where the Lord had her for His Purpose as she has been on many occasions ! May the Lord continue to use Darlene & George this year in Australia !