Mar 17, 2008

A challenging question-part 1


This weekend my Knight and I attended a two day conference at our church, that was led by Steve Stewart from Impact Nations. One hundred and sixty-eight others also joined us in seeking the Kingdom of Heaven come to earth. What a powerful time of ministry, laden with tools to help us begin to step out as Ambassador's of the Kingdom.


Saturday afternoon took us (all) out of our comfort zone, as we grouped up and went out into the affluent area around our church community. Steve has done this thousands of times around the world and prepared us well prior to sending us out, 'to knock on doors." We were armed with packs of batteries, to give as a gift (an opening, as a week ago was Daylight Savings Time and time to switch out your batteries on your smoke detectors)-and then to ask if they had any need we could pray for. It was surprisingly scary for most of us, a bit out of our box, but we moved past fear and into releasing God's Kingdom on earth.


Now, I must say we weren't greeted with open arms at each door. Some weren't home, some wouldn't open the door, most said they already changed their batteries. However, we were able to bless several families with batteries, which cleverly had a little sticker link, conveniently placed on top, to our church's website-hoping to plant seeds unto salvation!


My group encountered one Chinese family, who welcomed us into their home, took the batteries with a big grin and then asked us to pray for their two small children who both had some eye problems. As I prayed for the wee folk, I found myself tongue-tied and without words at several points-what's up with that? I pray with people all the time, just not by knocking at their door? I have prayed with strangers in parking lots as God directed. Thankfully, it is not about me-and God's Kingdom came~ the family was blessed. My friend Joe, who was with my group, prayed for the couple before we stepped back out into the New England chill.


I think God is up to something and I think I hear the Spirit stirring His people, want to join the fun. Steve Stewart said learning to take our job (hey, what is our job as Believer's?) -it is learning to say, "May I pray for you?" seriously and keeping our eyes constantly open for opportunities.
The lonely, poor and hurting are all around us, you don't need to leave this country to find them, you don't even have to leave your community-I will be sharing more tools we learned, so you too can be Jesus hands and feet. Steve says it is "Big Fun," to which I would heartily reply, "Yes, it certainly was Big Fun and I can't wait to get opportunities to do it again!"

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

wohoo! knocking on doors is totally outside my comfort zone, yep. but i have been thinking a lot lately about the ministry of prayer and concern for people's every day needs and having the courage to say "I will pray for you."

i do think we need bold people who are willing to do the unexpected (reaching into people's every day lives with the gospel) but i know how i feel when people knock on my own door and i don't find it a particularly compelling method....

i admire your bravery to try something new, though! one thing is sure, God shows up whenever and however we share Him. i think you are quite an admirable woman.

Susan said...

Great report of reaching out and "going into all the world" which always begins within our home and then next door and moving out from there.
Susan

Amrita said...

A wonderful practical exercise, and a way to stretch your spiritual muscles too. I really admire you all for stepping out. We did this as students.

Ministering to the Korean family was really good. They will remember you

javamamma said...

Having read Hallie's blog, I was telling my hubby about this idea this morning. The concept is not new to us by any means but it's time to get into action again. (using our much, if you've read about my challenge!)

As for praying for people, God has really put His finger on praying for people NOW, WITH them. Not saying, "Oh, I'll pray for you" and praying later. Not that that's wrong, but why not do it now?

Greta Jo said...

Kimmie- Wow, what a great idea. You show God's love all the way around. You are one amazing lady.

Kimmy said...

What a cool (but scary) idea. Thanks for sharing this, Kimmie.

Quinne said...

Hi Kimmie :) What an adventure! I love that you all went into the community to pray with your neighbors. That is a wonderful gift to share! Praying with you for the seeds that were planted. Love, Q

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

What a great idea. I haven't doorknocked in many, many years. The thought terrifies me, partly because I don't like being visited by door-knockers myself; around here they are constantly trying to get us to change our phone/electricity/gas plan and sign up to theirs.

Perhaps I should be more tolerant?

Kate

jennifaye said...

This is something I have been convicted with lately. If someone calls me on the phone of course I pray for them..but if I meet them in person say at the store I just say, "I will pray for you". What is that about? I need to get over myself and step out.

Thanks ~jen

Michelle said...

Wow! I am feeling a touch convicted. Way out of my comfort zone. (Who ever said we had to be comfortable anyway?) I am excited to hear all your other tools as well.

Mrs. Guthrie said...

Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone!!! Something we all need to do....

Amber said...

just dropped by, i actually came across the blog from a google search for simple sewing. we are also beginning to adopt from ethiopia and are also praying about homeschooling our children (they are only 3 and 18 mo. right now). so cool to come across you, i'll be back!

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