Tangible Kingdom

Last night our small group of six began a journey through a study called The Tangible Kingdom.  We, as appointees to Greater Europe Mission, have been asked to complete the 8 week study to better prepare us for our work in Germany.  Our small group, a precious community, agreed to walk this journey with us.

The first week calls for building relationship.  But the study goes beyond the relationships in the group and asks us to "cross fences" (bless a neighbor on my street), "cross your street" (connect with someone who is close to my home, but with whom I have no relationship), and to "cross social, political, or ethnic barriers".  To help the group complete the last task, we all stuffed large ziplock bags with granola bars, fruit snacks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, socks, and water.  Each one of us now has a "homeless bag", a bag of necessities, to hand to the next person we meet who needs some help.  

Packing one of the bags

 Our next meeting will convene at a local Vietnamese restaurant for  dinner.  I'm praying that each of the six of us will have an awesome story to tell of how God met us and some stranger through the bags we packed last night.  

This study will change us.  Or God will change us through the study.  Throughout the 8 weeks each of us will be challenged to think differently about ourselves, our families, our commitment to God.  I hope that each of us will develop a deeper relationship with Him.  Between now and then our little community of 6 will continue to challenge ourselves to hear God's still small voice and break down the barriers to relationships which enrich our lives.  What will you do in the next 8 weeks?