May 1, 2011
Matthew 7:2: “For others will treat you as you treat them.”
Martina and I met the most wonderful couple last night, Saturday. Because we had a presentation at Lord of Life Lutheran Church on Sunday morning, I called the pastor, Pr. Paul Elbert and asked him if Martina and I could come Saturday evening already and set up at the church. Pastor Paul said that would be great. We arrived around 6 PM at Lord of Life. Pastor Paul met us there. He was so happy to see us, so gregarious, so much wanting us to feel welcome and appreciated. He showed us wear to set up our camper and then he drove towards home. He was only gone about 2 minutes, Martina and I had just moved the camper in place, when he came back. He said, this is ridiculous, you still have to set up your camper and my wife and I have several empty bedrooms in our home. You have to come and stay in our home this evening.” Now, I need to tell you, Pastor Paul had never met Martina and I, except for 20 minutes before. His wife Chris still had not met us, yet they invited us to their home. They gave us a beautiful bedroom with our own bathroom and left us alone for the evening. In the morning when we woke up they had the breakfast table set for us and coffee and juice and cereal and fresh cut strawberries ready. For absolute strangers!!!
Here’s the point, when we arrived at Lord of Life and met the people before, during and after our presentation they all treated us the same way. They were warm and friendly and went out of their way to welcome us. I believe firmly that the personality of the congregation is so much a reflection of the pastor. Pastors, beware! Pastor Paul and his wife Chris have created a community of welcoming and loving people. When we parted we were all so glad to have been together. There is no doubt in my mind that Lord of Life is a wonderful congregation to be a part of their community.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please plant your love in my heart so that I will be loving to the stranger, for I am a witness to your love.
Amen
Dear Pastor Frank & Martina,
ReplyDeleteYou are both missed, Pastor Jim delivered a very good sermon. Just want you to know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers for your safety and good weather on this trip. May God continue to bless you both and keep you in the hollow of His hands. In Christian Love, Dot