A Story of Victory

Three years ago my church, Bel-Aire, sponsored a Bible Study for members of the hunting club in Wiggins where the pastor, Randy Hommel, and I were members. The opportunity opened up after we were able to perform a wedding and conduct a funeral for members of the club. We met on Tuesday evenings with Randy and I tag teaming the Bible Study beginning with a basic overview of the Bible. We were asked and dealt with all the typical questions that usually come from unchurched  people. But we slowly saw growth in their Christian maturity. We also saw God move in their lives.

We watched God reveal Himself to these folks as they dealt with death, job loss, serious illnesses, accidents. Through all of these trials and tribulations, not one wavered in their commitment to Christ.  The Bible Study stopped and started due to hospitalizations and jobs but they always were ready to resume as soon as they could. Each began to read the Bible regularly.  They learned to pray publically and privately.  Ill will between family members was resolved. Husbands and wives were reunited. A teenage daughter was saved.  The list could go on and on.

Now they are attending a solid church in their community, becoming involved and not just pew sitting.  Things that three years ago they would not have even considered doing are now becoming familiar practice.  I was asked in a recent phone conversation, “Guess what we did last Sunday? At the welcome time at church, all five of us got out of our pew and greeted people. It was great!” But the greatest part is the unabashed joy and courage they display in sharing what God has done for them.  One couple after being invited to dinner at another hunting club member’s home observed the practices and behavior that has once characterized their own lives.  The couple from the Bible Study while seated at the dinner table began to share what God had done in their lives and marriage. They said, “Three years ago we were just like you fussing, bickering, not living as we should.  But God has done a work in our lives.”  They shared how difficulties had come into their lives and they overcame them “because God gave us the strength to carry on.” The host couple was strongly encouraged to seek a church and become committed to God.

It was worth every bit of the time and effort that it took to make the Bible Study happen and see the lives TRANSFORMED for Christ.  This is how we can transform our neighborhoods, cities, association, state and nation.  We have to invest ourselves in people’s lives.  We do without in order to prepare for retirement  investing our savings in mutual funds, stocks, bonds, IRAs. Can we not do without some of the things we like to do to invest in people and see eternal benefits? 

I am in the process of starting another Bible Study much closer home in a place that I have been burdened about for six years.  This is discipleship at its essence. Will you join me by seeking God’s leadership for where can you start a Bible Study? We can help you discover resources and areas if you are willing to be used of God.