You see these folks surrounding the older couple in the middle? They’re heroes. They patched-up a leaky roof for this elderly couple, volunteering their time on a Friday and Saturday…and their church (Tigard Christian) covered the cost of materials. Their cause is not to push a political agenda or force a religious view down anyone’s throat. Their role is to serve, care for, and create common ground; making space for God to work in the hearts of the people they come into contact with…as well as their own. Allowing people the freedom to come to their own conclusions. They know the important truth that, as followers of Jesus, it is not our responsibility to convert people, but to love people…and leave the results to God.
Linda is a friend of mine, she’s in the picture with her arms around the other lady. She was the advocate on this job, and did a fantastic job. After it was all completed, she said this:
“I was able to visit with the Lowries during rest breaks and discovered that they are a nice couple. They expressed their gratitude to Catalyst many times, and told me all of the workers were in their prayers. The next door neighbor was also grateful as he was usually the one called to go up on the roof when yet another place leaked! I was also able to meet another neighbor out walking her dogs. She stated that i didn’t live there, and asked what i was doing and why was I doing it. I explained about how God was using me as His hands to prune the roses to show the Lowries how much He loves them. She brightened up and asked a bunch more questions.”
1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
