“Whoomp, there it is! Whoomp, there it is! Whoomp, shaka-laka-shaka-laka-shaka-laka-shaka” If you are a ninety’s child like myself, you are probably singing this chorus in your head as you read. (You’re welcome!) It was a catchy tune and now nearly thirty years later I honestly had to look up the lyrics before writing this little article. I’m sad to report the lyrics aren’t the most wholesome and I found much more comfort in the Kidz Bop version! My young, naive self probably had no clue what the original lyrics meant and the other half of the lyrics, well I’ve never been able to understand rap music. Regardless of what I heard or didn’t hear, it was a catchy tune and was played on the Discman connected to the cassette player in our cars as we cruised the loop in Edgerton. (Students, you’ll have to ask your parents to explain this entire paragraph to you. J)

While I haven’t heard the song in years, I often say, “Whoomp, there it is!” in my head or occasionally out loud. We all have our quirks, right? I usually save it for special occasions like a grand slam hit in a baseball game, a dramatic breakup scene in a movie, or I even once uttered it out loud when my husband grounded our daughter. (Oops!) It’s my 90’s version of the more modern “Mic Drop” moment.

So what does this have to do with anything for our church Archive Article? Well, nothing really other than I have now cleared 200 words which will help me fill this page. I’ll get to the point – The other day I heard myself say this little phrase in my head when I saw the verse Micah 6:8 for like the hundredth time in just a few days. Growing up Micah 6:8 was our theme verse at Calvenettes and at each meeting our leader would prompt us with “What does the Lord require of us?” and in unison the group of girls would say, “to act justly and to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Micah six verse eight.” It’s just one of the many verses I hid in my heart as a young girl. But, as I said, it’s a verse I have seen repeatedly lately as I have read my devotions, scrolled through my Facebook feed, and the familiar words even caught my eye as I was looking at wall decor the other day. “Whoomp, there it is! Again!” I thought to myself.

Do you ever see or hear something repeatedly and finally realize maybe God is trying to get your attention? For me it means it’s time to pause and listen carefully because God is about to say something. I trust God has something for me with this scripture just as he has before. Maybe it’s a simple reminder to stay calm in this ever changing and challenging time we find ourselves in. What started as precaution a few months ago has turned to frustration, loneliness, and lots of opinions. The last couple weeks we have watched protests and riots reveal what seems like an even greater divide among many and deepening heartache within our world. So what is it the Lord requires of us when times get tough like this?

I’ve been asking myself what it means to act justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly each day. Not just what it means, but rather what it means for Becky. Whatever I am doing, I wonder if I could do it with a more generous and honest heart, love more deeply with no strings attached, and how to simply be a brighter reflection of my Savior to everyone I encounter. And I pray, as I shine my Savior’s light in this ever darkening world, I may do it in complete obedience and humility.

Are you up for the challenge? Let’s all keep our eyes and hearts open to grow in how we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. After all, what does the Lord require of us? (Whoomp, there it is!)

Becky Ossefoort

I started a study on 1 Corinthians a while back and let me tell you, for such a time as this. As I’ve read about the culture of Corinth in Paul’s day, I see so many similarities to our modern-day culture – highlighted even more because of the current reality in our world. The city of Corinth had many travelers and businesses because of the location on the water route through the country of Greece. The people were proud of their city and you could find anything your heart desired because the Corinthian culture was full of indulgence, idolatry, and immoral living. It was a culture that thrived on self-importance, ambition, and status. Sound at all familiar?

In the book of Acts, we read Paul spent eighteen months in Corinth, “teaching them the word of God.” (18:11) I imagine Paul spent countless hours sharing the Gospel and gently correcting their habits and patterns of life in contrast to the Good News. A few years after Paul’s departure from Corinth, he receives word the Christian Corinthians have fallen into their old destructive habits in his absence. Instead of a good old fashioned written lecture, Paul simply affirms their identity in Christ and reminds them of God’s truth. Once again we see Paul’s gentle teaching and correcting as we read the words penned in his correspondence we have come to know as the book of 1 Corinthians.

As I think of the things God has been teaching me during this pandemic season, I can’t help but think of the things I have been learning in my studies as well. Paul spent a lot of time teaching the Christian Corinthians about the Messiah and living as part of God’s kingdom. But, after Paul departed on his next journey, the people quickly turned to their old habits. As we slowly begin to turn the corner of our social distancing, sheltering in place, and homemade mask-wearing, I wonder how quickly I may fall back into my old and regular patterns of life pre-Covid. Will I begin to fill my schedule with the things I didn’t miss or that lack real value for my life? When classes resume, will my children’s schoolwork turn into more of the teacher’s responsibility, rather than my own? This slower pace of life has allowed for an extended quiet time at my Saviors’ feet each day; will I continue to crave the time spent with Him or will extra time fade into what once was, as well?

See, deep down there is a part of me that hopes we never fully return to “normal”. No, I don’t mean keep things locked up tight downtown; those are my friends and it is good for us all to work and make a living. I am just as excited as everyone else to see friends and the smiles of our church family, but I am going to miss some of this season as well. I feel as though I am entering this new season of familiarity with a much different concern than when we entered the unknown – shelter in place way of life. During this time, God has shown me ways to minister in a fashion I never imagined and many blessings in the slower pace. I have found a deeper passion for worship, a greater desire for less, and patience I didn’t know I had just six short weeks ago. I don’t want to fall into the old habits and patterns of life before Covid like the Corinthians did as they waved goodbye to Paul.

We would likely all agree the lasting effects of this time will continue to be felt for many months to come. For some, this season has or will bring great heartache and loss. Perhaps it’s a time of life we wish we could simply erase. Yet I also believe God never leaves a season without revealing Himself to His people. In this time, may it be true of each of us that we lean into our Father fully trusting Him and all He has for us – both the good and painful – each and every day.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. [While maintaining a distance of 6 feet.] All God’s people here send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 11-14

Missing each of you, Becky Ossefoort

“God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” It was a phrase uttered regularly after the release of the “God’s Not Dead” movie a few years ago.   Such a simple statement I have believed in my heart since I was a little girl. I still hear people say the phrase, but perhaps not as often as I did when the movie was first released. Yet it is something I have reminded myself, and others, of in this season.

The COVID-19 virus has certainly stopped us all in our tracks in one way or another. To think how drastically our daily tasks have changed in just a few weeks is somewhat mind blowing. Many things we once took for granted look different right now, and I think many are ready for everything to return to normal. But what if our normal never looks…well, normal again? Could it be God is drawing us to something new? I get excited to think of a new, clean, fresh outlook on the ways I have allowed my life to become mundane and stagnant. Yet, every ounce of the human within me wants nothing more than to go about my regular daily tasks again without having to think so hard and reinvent what once, just was. It’s those moments when I cling to the phrases and scriptures I have come to know.

God is constantly at work to bring about good. On our Jr High Youth Group Zoom meeting this week we talked about just that. We dug into Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” All his promises are available to anyone who proclaims the name of Jesus! God uses everything and turns it to good for those who trust in Him, rather than the things of this world.

God is our Good Father. Whether it is the lyrics of the song “Good Good Father,” or God’s gentle whisper through the scriptures I am constantly reminded of His love and faithfulness to His people. While we will never be able to explain why God allows things like the Coronavirus to spread across the world like it has, we can fall back on the truth that He is in control and He is good! The scriptures are full of God’s goodness, one of my favorites that I am claiming in this season is, “They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty – and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works – and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:5-7

Ultimately, God already has a plan and knows exactly how this season will end. He stands in the middle of all the chaos, holding things together, and preventing anything from spiraling out of control. I would agree many things feel a little uncertain and as though we are venturing into the unknown, but God is all-seeing, all-knowing, and all-powerful. There are so many verses to find the comfort of God having all things held together, but today I leave you with this familiar one from Philippians 4. “⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Becky Ossefoort

“In the beginning God”…that’s where a group of Pioneer Club kids and I started this past Wednesday night during activity time. For a few weeks this group has been experimenting with different science projects, doing their best to understand why things react and do the things they do. The final lesson of the unit was about the Creator of all things along with what was supposed to be a brief discussion of Genesis 1:1-2. It was Awards Night so we did not have much time, but these first four words in the Bible grabbed the boys’ attention and sparked many questions and deep thought. Soon the room was full of curiosity and the leader and I smiled as we heard things like, “Wait! God was there before time…like always was…but…wait! How was He there before anything? That’s mind blowing!” “It took God six days to create everything and then He rested on the seventh day. So, shouldn’t the Sabbath be on Saturday?” “How did there get to be more people. Adam and Eve only had boys.”

While we didn’t exactly accomplish what I had walked in the room to do, I left filled knowing they could not get enough of learning about their Creator. The Holy Spirit was among us and it blessed my heart to watch them soak in what we shared in those brief fifteen minutes. I have promised to return with some information next week as I did not have a good answer for a question or two and I’m already looking forward to our time together!

At one point in our discussion someone asked how I knew so much about God, so I turned the question back to the group and had each of them to tell me something they knew about God. A few were hesitant with their answer and others rattled off several facts. I then asked, “So how do you know those things?” While there were a variety of answers, they all agreed most of their knowledge had come from listening to their parents, teachers at church, and reading the Bible.

While I was flattered they thought I knew so much, I told them they could know as much or more if they did one simple thing each day – spend time with God while reading the Bible. I shared how God speaks to me through His Word and I feel fresh and renewed after our time together. As I’ve grown to know God, life’s challenges seem a bit clearer, there’s been more peace in the storm, and I have experienced great joy in serving my Heavenly Father each day.

After our conversation Wednesday night it caused me to pause and consider how I am doing at home with my own children. Have I put as much effort into sharing Jesus with them this week as I have stressed the importance of completing their homework for school? Each morning they see me sit and spend time with God, but how am I doing at encouraging them to do the same on a regular basis? What do I need to change in their schedule to allow time for them to find rest at the feet of their Savior? Parents, we are our children’s greatest example and with a burning desire they are looking to us to lead them to their Creator. We may not have all the answers, but we can find those answers together when we dig into God’s Word and actively allow Him to walk alongside us in this journey of life.

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Becky Ossefoort

God has had a plan from the very beginning of time. His plan included a beautiful creation and, what I imagine to be, an unexplainable union of love with His people. When sin entered the world, it separated us from Him. While sin may have affected God’s plan, He continued with the plan of Salvation to reunite the perfect companionship with His people once again. We are all pieces of His plan and within it, He has a plan for each of us as well.

Plans. Life is full of them. Academic plans, health care plans, house plans, emergency plans, exercise plans, strategic plans, short-term and long-term plans, diet plans, contingency plans…the list is endless. We each have a plan for our day, our week, and our life. As hard as we try to carry out our plans, inevitably we run into snags, interruptions, and often detours.

I’ve been pouring my heart into a project for a while now; a plan I’ve been working towards for nearly a decade. I invited God to be a part of the planning process from the beginning and asked Him to not allow me to go ahead of Him as I worked steadily towards it. As the project has continued to come together, friends have been invited to help in the process. My friends have invested a lot of time, talents and advice into it, all for me. I’ve prayed over my project and with each step found clarity and peace in moving to the next step, instead of over analyzing every detail as I tend to do. The project was coming together beautifully when suddenly I felt God close the door – *click* – just like that. I wasn’t prepared for the door to shut and as it did there wasn’t a loud slam or a painful blow to the face, rather a soft, gentle close. One may think I would be very discouraged and disappointed, but in reality, I have actually found greater peace, joy and even excitement in my project since the door closed. I know and trust God’s plan is far greater than anything I could ever imagine and as beautiful as my project was coming together – I’m very excited to see how lovely it will become in His timing.

I was listening to a podcast the other day and the speaker said “Life gets out of balance when we quit before God moves,” meaning when we veer off the tracks of His plan we won’t experience the immense blessing of following His perfect plan. In other words, when we invite God to lead and direct us and then take over with what we think is best; we may still end up with something good, but not great. So knowing my future may hold some turmoil and trouble or simply a lesson in patience, I am thankful for God’s provision and protection, because in the end it will be worth every second of the wait.

Lamentations chapter 3 offered me this word, it goes like this:

²²Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ²³They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ²⁴I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” ²⁵The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; ²⁶it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. ²⁷It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.

True contentment and peace won’t come by chasing our dreams; rather it comes from the willingness to chase the one who gave us the ability to dream.

Be blessed, my friends, as you wait on the Lord God and Creator of all good and perfect plans,

Becky Ossefoort

Many of the Bible stories we first learned about as children are tucked within the pages of the Old Testament. From the first verses of Genesis we learn about God’s Creation and beginning of the plan for His people. Most will recall the story of Joseph. How his dad, Jacob, favored him just a bit more than all the other sons. His brothers loathed his special treatment and their anger was fueled when Joseph was gifted a beautiful robe. Adding to the jealousy, Joseph shares about the dream he has one night, and how the brothers sheaves of grain bowed to his sheave. This, of course, infuriates the brothers and they eventually develop a plan to leave him for dead and toss him in a cistern. While all this is happening, a caravan of Ishmaelites pass nearby and a new plan is made. After quickly changing their minds, his brothers not only get rid of their brother, they profit by selling him into slavery. As the years pass, Joseph’s life looks much different than fist imagined. From slavery, to accusation, to prison, eventually Joseph found himself in one of the most powerful chairs in all of Egypt. Through it all Joseph did not give up and instead of wallowing in self-pity, he sought God with each move he made. Like us, from the moment Joseph was born God wanted to use him and with every circumstance in His life, God used it to develop and grow him.

We continue to read, after several years a famine hits the land and Joseph’s brothers show up in Egypt. He recognizes his brothers immediately. Without revealing himself to them, Joseph asks questions about his family back home and even has some silver placed in their sacks in an attempt to have them return. When the brothers discover the silver, they return immediately begging for mercy. Eventually Joseph cannot control himself and he reveals his identity to the brothers and they fear what he may do to them. Instead of getting angry or punishing them for what they did to him, Joseph shows nothing but love and forgiveness. He tells the brothers to not fear him or be angry with them “because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you….But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth to save your lives by a great deliverance.” (Gen. 45:5 & 7) You see in it all God had already gone ahead of Joseph and all the difficulties he and his family had. No matter the situation, God was providing a way to care for both Joseph and his family. Even in the most difficult situations throughout all their lives, God was at work.

Our challenges today may look a little different than Joseph’s, but we have the same choices he did. We can give up when the weather forecast is wet and soggy or we can trust God to provide. When a child is scheduled to undergo a lifesaving surgery, one can live in fear or trust God has already gone ahead and is walking alongside us every step of the way no matter what happens. When life seems as though all is going wrong and sadness surrounds us, we can be upset and angry or we can hope in the one who created us. We can trust in Him because He has been faithful not only throughout our lives, but in those we read about in His Word.

As we enter this new decade, I pray we will continue to recall and reflect on the many times God has been at work in our lives. May we share our testimony with all we encounter so God’s love and faithfulness might be revealed to them. May this be the decade we each grow deeper in our faith, fully trusting our Heavenly Father as He goes ahead of us on this journey of life.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut. 31:8)

Becky Ossefoort

“Journey to Bethlehem” is the name of the children’s Christmas Program this year. In our lessons and preparations, we have been discussing the journey of all who traveled that first Christmas. The lessons got me to thinking about the word “journey” as I was preparing. There are a couple ways to define it; one definition is: “an act or instance of traveling from one place to another.” In our lessons, the students have been helping me plan a trip for my Christmas break. We discussed what I should pack in my luggage and even where I should go. I showed a highway map to the students as we talked about the journey I was planning to take. Several looked at it funny and suggested I simply use the map app on my phone to guide me. The map gives clear direction, the symbols all make sense, and I could follow the thin lines on the paper to arrive at my destination in a timely manner. The paper map would be sufficient to plan my route if I were going to travel through the state of Wisconsin, but not a trip to Hawaii.

Another definition of journey is: “a long and often difficult process of personal change and development.” I am sure many of you would agree life is certainly a little different than using a simple highway map. On our trip of life, we find many detours due to our own insecurities and sin. Other times we keep driving, only to find out we took a wrong turn. We often times blame the invisible GPS system for our mistake, or quickly hit the off switch because of the constant bellow of “recalculating” we would rather ignore. There are even moments we are forced to stop because the pavement has ceased to exist. Perhaps there were warnings of the road closure we disregarded along the way, but we are forced to ask ourselves, “what now?”

This Advent season I have taken gentle note of the wise men and their journey. They didn’t have a road map or a modern app to tell them where to turn or set the cruise control. They simply noticed something different and turned their complete focus to the bright object in the sky, following it day and night. While they were not sure of the exact destination, they knew it led to something of great importance and did not want to miss out. The journey was long and it actually took a couple years to reach their destination, but they continued on completely focused on the star. While some may say they simply followed a star and asked for a few directions along the way, we know it was God’s provision that lead them to Jesus.

Our lives are similar. While my life has not included any deep teachings in astrophysics or the means to afford extravagant gifts, it has included the best direction giver. For many years I trusted my own GPS, but one day, as I was wandering, God caught my eye through the words of a friend. I knew from that moment I wanted to focus on Him and Him alone. The journey of my life changed that day and my focus shifted from my way to discovering my path by seeking my Savior through prayer and studying scripture.

While our journeys are all different, we are all invited to focus on our Father in Heaven. And like the star, we can look to Him to lead and guide each of us. God calls us to trust him and follow the lead of our Savior who joined us here on earth as a little baby. This same sweet, little bundle would grow up and pay our ransom as his body would hang from a cross and defeat death three days later. This was all done for me, and it was all done for you.

Is God calling you to Him? Grab hold of the greatest gift ever given – for He was given for you.

“‘Then you will call on me and come and pray with all your heart. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord” Jeremiah 29:12-13

May your Christmas be blessed as you put your focus on the gift of a little baby lying in the manger.

Becky Ossefoort

A friend and I were reflecting on our faith journey a while back while we were enjoying each other’s company on the patio. Our faith stories started very different; mine being part of a church family all my life, hers not till she was much farther along in life. The journey to knowing Christ for my friend has a sharp contrast from her old life. Not as much for me because I do not recall ever not knowing Jesus. I grew up attending church faithfully with my family. My great-grandma, both sets of grandparents, and even aunts and uncles attended church with me each week. After weekly Sunday School and Catechism classes my cousins and I would walk to Grandpa and Grandma’s house for lunch. The Bible was read in our home and we were taught right from wrong according to God’s Word. Even as a little tot I knew Jesus loved me, had paid a price for my life, and if I loved Him I would spend eternity in Heaven with Him one day.

As we continued our chat, I stated in some ways I wish my story was a little more like hers. Had that been the case, maybe I wouldn’t have taken the gift my parents had shared with me for granted for so long. My friend was less than impressed with my statement and told me I was crazy. She was maybe right.

Something happened this week at Pioneer Club that reminded me of this chat we had on the patio some time ago. We have a student who was eager to get their Bible at Awards Night on Wednesday night. The student is very excited to be learning about Jesus and asks lots of questions about what is being taught. Prior to the awards, the child asked if they would be getting a Pioneer Club bag in addition to the Bible. The teacher replied that she wasn’t sure so they would just have to wait and see. When I read the child’s name off, the enthusiasm was apparent as they approached the stage. I saw a face glow with great delight as I handed the new Bible and crisp, black Pioneer Club bag to them. The excitement continued as the club leader presented the badges and applause from the crowd was heard. (You should each be very jealous of my job!)

After all the excitement settled down and the last guests had left, I was chatting with the leader of this student. She is so excited by the eagerness she sees in this child who just wants to drink in the goodness of Christ. In our conversation she shared that when they all returned to their seats, the child came up to her and said, “I got it ALL!” What a profound statement! The child is right, because when you know Christ and He lives and dwells in your heart, you really do have it ALL!

Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. Psalm 96:2-4 (NLT)

Friends, we have the absolute best gift ever given and all we are truly asked to do is share it with others. May it not be so of any of us that we didn’t share the great Gospel story with all we encountered in this life – both young and old. You just never know who hasn’t heard the Good News yet.

What a gift to be able to share the love and joy of Christ with others!

Becky Ossefoort

I recently ran across an interesting article that went like this:

‘Missing’ Woman Mystery Solved

A group of tourists spent hours Saturday night looking for a missing woman near Iceland’s Eldgja canyon, only to find her among the search party.

The group was traveling through Iceland on a tour bus and stopped near a volcanic canyon. Soon, there was word of a missing passenger. The woman, who had changed clothes, didn’t recognize the description of herself, and joined in the search.

But the search was called off at about 3 a.m., when it became clear the missing woman was, in fact, accounted for and searching for herself. –QMI Agency

I actually read the story twice because it seemed so absurd. How in the world would someone not know it was them everyone was looking for after just a few minutes? I thought about bus trips I’ve taken with students and how we count every time we board the bus – who was in charge of counting for crying out loud?

As I sat and pondered the scene I imagined the tension, fear, and chaos that was likely present as everyone searched. It would be my assumption being part of a search party on your vacation would be a bit of a downer as well. I continued to think about the events taking place in this short article when I suddenly saw myself in the story. After all, my life before being born again wasn’t much different than what unfolded above. I was searching, but had no idea of the real identity of who I needed to find.

For many years I was enticed by the glitz and glamor of this world. I could have renamed the familiar country lyrics to “Looking for peace in all the wrong places.” I searched for happiness, but never found true joy. I pursued who I wanted to be, rather than seeking who I was created to be. When something didn’t quench the desire for pleasure, I switched paths and looked to the next thing to find delight in. Yet, each trail led to the same dead end of emptiness and disappointment.

Thankfully I found my true peace and joy when I completely surrendered everything to Jesus. After my life changed, the material items I had once sought after didn’t seem as important and the life I had set out to make suddenly wasn’t even attractive anymore. While some from my past may feel I live with less, the truth is I have so much more than I ever imagined possible. No, not material things, but simply knowing my every need will be provided for always, peace in my heart no matter what life throws my way, and pure joy in knowing that I serve the Savior of the entire world and He calls me His child! When words or ill actions are tossed at me by others, I feel a barrier of protection surrounding me. And perhaps best of all, when I’m lonely, sad, or full of excitement, I have a friend who I can talk with at all times.

You see the story above is about all of us at one point in our life. We wander around this earth trying to find contentment, but we fail to see we won’t find it without knowing the real identity of our Heavenly Father. Sadly, this story is still true for those who are not in Christ. For many, life is a constant act of seeking, but never finding. The work is exhausting and often times life circumstances continues to erode around them only to lead to more disappointment. There are many who are still searching and it’s up to us, God’s Search Party, to help point them to Him.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

Becky Ossefoort

A young man I used to babysit got married recently to a gal from another community. They decided to get married at his church since they wanted to have the reception celebration out at his family farm. The evening before the wedding, the couple stood under the beautiful lights strung through the trees above the dance floor in expectation of the next day’s events. The reception tent for the guests was set up and looked more beautiful than they had ever imagined. In the morning all the hustle and bustle of a wedding began at the bride’s home. When the phone rang, the bride answered and heard the groom share some devastating news. He informed her of a wind storm that had passed through the farm and the mess it left behind. The reception tent had been completely destroyed, leaving the linens and other décor soaked and muddy. As she hung up the phone, with tears in her eyes, she told her mom, “God has a plan.” And that He did…

News of the destroyed reception site spread quickly in the small community and soon everything from the farm had been hauled to a shed by the elevator in town. The day went on and as the bridal party prepared for the ceremony, friends and family, and even a few individuals who were practically strangers, got to work. Someone took all the table linens home to wash and press them, chairs and tables were cleaned at the fire department, a local farmer dropped off a couple massive tarps to create walls like a tent inside the shed. It was truly all hands on deck, and at one time someone counted over eighty people at the site helping. There were others who were out and about gathering items and a woman who was folding and pressing table linens. When the newlyweds arrived at the reception, the groom covered his new bride’s face with his cowboy hat only to reveal the reception looking exactly how it had been left the evening before.

I had heard some of this story on Facebook through the groom’s mom, but was blessed to hear it first hand from the bride’s parents while we were at the fair. I stopped by their show box in the cattle barn to congratulate them on their daughter’s marriage and shared how I knew the family. The bride’s mom couldn’t help but share how complete strangers had helped them in their time of need and she was completely overwhelmed by the love and generosity they had experienced in my little hometown community. As she shared, it reminded me of the community of believers we read about in Acts 2. “⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” The early church did everything together and for one another; they sacrificed what they had so everyone’s needs were met, they worshiped God together, and led a life filled with joy – together.

After some reflection, it caused me to wonder how well I’ve been participating in the community I am part of. Have I offered help with an outstretched hand to those in need? How do I welcome a stranger into my community to share in the joys and sorrows of life? I’d encourage you to do the same. Maybe even stop and wonder how we as a congregation are doing. How well have we welcomed the stranger into our community so we can praise God together? Are we a community that shares life with others, no matter the cost, all for the Kingdom of God? This scripture is one of my favorites because it is a beautiful picture of God’s people sharing Christ’s love with all they encounter. I want to be like that, and I pray it would be so of our church family as well.

Blessed to be part of this community,

Becky Ossefoort

PS – The woman who washed the linens lost her house in a fire several years ago. Completely overwhelmed by love and generosity she experienced, she wanted to pay it forward. After some conversation at the reception, it turns out the bride had anonymously sent a few of her favorite toys to this woman’s children after the fire. Neither of the ladies had any idea of this and had never met until they were at the reception and the bride’s mom wanted to thank the kind lady who had washed the linens. Wow! I just love those little stories God leaves for his faithful servants to find!