with glad and sincere hearts

This weekend Josh and I attended a two-part training session on leading small groups at our Vineyard Church. These verses from Acts 2 was the basis for the training, and while I'm not sure I learned anything especially new, it was a good review of how and why God wants His people to live in community and fellowship.

42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. ⁴⁶Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

For several months now, Josh and I have been talking and praying about the general need, and our personal desire, to connect young couples in fellowship with one another. The Vineyard has grown so large, and with 6 services every weekend, it's easy to feel disconnected from the few faces I do recognize.

After spending 2 1/2 years in leadership and precious fellowship at The Crossing in Sioux Falls, it has been a little intimidating to think about just starting up a new small group in a new town. We don't have that many friends...who would come? We live too far away...who could host? We don't know anyone else's phone numbers...how will we get the word out? Okay...time to pray.

A couple of weeks ago after church, we were chatting with our friend Bryan and his new fiancee Lori, and another couple we just met, Will and Brooke. Brooke sort of randomly said that she and Will were wanting to be in a small group; they just didn't know of one that fit what they were looking for. Bryan and Lori agreed. Yay! Answer to prayer # 1... People!

Then after the service last night, I decided to ask the couple sitting behind us if they were involved in a small group. Phil and Cassie said no, but that they just purchased a new house and really felt like they were supposed to use the space to host a Bible Study. Yay! Answer to prayer # 2 ... Place!

Then we found out from the young adult pastor, Cameron, that this upcoming weekend is Connect Weekend, where all the new small groups can advertise after each service. Yay! Answer to prayer # 3...Promotional Materials!

So basically I am just overwhelmed by the way this small group has come together, and the consistant provision and goodness that the Lord has shown through this situation. I am expectant of sweet hours of Bible study, friendship, prayer time and snacks.

Forever God is faithful, Forever God is strong, Forever God is with us, Forever!
Sing Praise!