A Poor Church
With our journey of visiting fifty-two churches over, I can reflect more on the complete experience. Today, I’ll add to my thoughts about Church #33.
It seems the congregation of this rural church has little to be thankful for, at least from my perspective. Yet their service taught me the opposite. I’m impressed with how they depend on one another.
I live in a prosperous area, and it’s sobering to know there are people nearby living in deep poverty. I’ve thought about this poor church and her needy people often, when I see their members stop at the local food pantry to pick up supplies each month.
Their church, primarily its pastor, does what it can to meet needs and provide food. I’m glad the food pantry is there to help out.
They do not have much in the way of possessions or food, but they are rich in the things not of this world. Praying for their daily bread is not a metaphor but a persistent reality.
Their faith is strong; they depend on one another and even more so on God.
I’m also humbled by their joyous attitudes. Their pastor’s message of being thankful wasn’t mere words to contemplate but an imperative entreaty to lead a thankful life.
They have much to teach me about how they depend on one another. And I have much to learn.
[See my reflections about Church #32 and Church #34 or start with Church #1.]
My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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