“God loves to do more than you expect!  Opening my home to host a Small Group was both a personal challenge and an answer to a prayer.  A couple of years back, as I paid off my mortgage on a tiny condo, I was filled with gratitude and, in prayer, I asked God how I could serve him going forward in this season of my life.  I did not think He would go straight for the uncomfortable, unhealed places in my heart and ask me to offer hospitality; to invite people into my home, my sanctuary, my private space.  But, over time, and over my objections and attempts to squirm out of it, it became clear that is exactly what He wanted from me.  In answer to my prayers, He not only gave me an opportunity to serve him, but he also silenced some old, dysfunctional, family voices; He healed my heart and freed me from feelings of inadequacy and judgment from visitors. I write this now with a smile on my face, feeling joyful, and silly that I had those fears in the first place.  But I did, they were real, and I could not get rid of them on my own, until I prayed and He used my prayer to shine the light of Jesus’ love and his Mercy and Grace all over me and my home.  I am more grateful than ever, happy to host a Small Group this coming fall and I continue to praise him daily! I can actually imagine him laughing and shaking his head at me …. in delight.”

— Anonymous