almost six years ago, i felt God push. i ignored, he pushed harder. i went to my pastor and said i feel like i need to start a sunday school class for people my age. (statistics say only about 25% of 18 - 25 year olds attend church) my pastor - i'm not so sure, i've never had a new mother volunteer for anything (translation your crazy) but if you want to try it, i will support you (he confronts my mother to make sure i'm not crazy and to make sure she will help me). so i, a single mother of a 1 month old, a first year teacher of 7th graders in the local public schools, and a never before been a sunday school teacher start a class....we had four the first sunday. some sundays we had more most sundays we had less that first year. i continue to study, i continue to pray.....2 members move away. i sit alone in a tiny room in the back corner of the church and pray. why should i go this morning Lord...no one will come, God pushes. He sends people my way, ask them to church. i think they won't come, but i ask and i ask and i ask. Easter 2009 - 20 people in attendance. last year we had 17 people enrolled in our sunday school class. last night we gathered for an eat out (pot luck dinner outside) with over 40 people (parents, children, friends, family) coming. patience. God answers prayers, in His time. five years later, we are still growing, we are still praying, people are still coming....GOD IS STILL WORKING.
3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come
and will not delay.
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come
and will not delay.
Habakkuk 2:3
Perfect example of the amazing things He can do even when we ignore.
ReplyDeletea willing heart. . . obedience. that is what He asks of us, no?
ReplyDeleteEven more important than numbers is obedience. Your obedience pleases God.
ReplyDeleteIsn't amazing -- even when we don't understand, God is still working, doing His thing in us and in others. Such a hopeful story!
ReplyDeleteGod has faith in us -- knows our potential and works through us. In the end it is a beautiful thing. In our faithfulness, He gives. In our obedience, He surprises. In our eager willingness, He blesses.
ReplyDeleteWhat an important age group to reach out to! Good for you!
ReplyDelete(visiting from SDG)
Karrie, your perseverance, courage and obedience amaze and inspire me! And you teache me so much about patience here...and trust. Thank you, friend, so much for this.
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