And the leader's obedient response.
Anonymous
Amy had completed a year of leadership in a women's
ministry at her church. When asked to lead a small group of
stay-at-home moms, she immediately agreed. Days earlier, she had felt
the Holy Spirit nudging her in this direction.
The announcement was made, and many women eagerly
joined when baited with free babysitting. Bible study and fellowship
with other women was a satisfying break during those drawn-out,
kid-filled summer days. And it would only last for six weeks.
While Amy was praying over the names of the women
who signed up for the small group, names of other women began popping
up: Meghan, Stacey, Noreen, and Kirsten. She kept on praying, and those
four names continued to pluck her heart. Amy knew at once that she
needed to invite these women, though they showed no interest just two
days earlier.
Two weeks later, the small group began, and first to
ring the doorbell was Noreen, then Stacey, then Kirsten, and finally
Meghan. All four showed up and timidly sat in their first small group
circle. Week after week, these four women asked big questions about
God, like: "Why did Jesus have to die?" "You mean, His sacrifice took
care of it once and for all?" and "How does He fill us with His Spirit?"
Amy persistently prayed that these women would open
themselves up to an authentic relationship with Christ, though she
never expected it to happen after this short six-week session.
Weeks following the conclusion of the small group,
Amy received a handwritten note from Meghan, which read, "Thanks for
inviting me to the small group. It is something I would've never sought
out. But now I want to have a deeper connection with God."
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