by Gary Miller
On Sunday February 5th, a group of approximately 16 members from Imago Dei had a wonderful opportunity to serve the community that stands only a block away from the East Millbrook Middle. Recently a friend and fellow member, Andy Rodriguez (A-Rod), had a friend who donated 62 food care packages from a local grocery store. A-Rod, along with others, decided to go door-to-door into the local community and give them to people who are in need. So, that’s what we did.
It was encouraging to me to see our growth group leaders out there, and many other members as well. Seeing the church serve the community is the gospel made visible to the community. Knowing that we as a church people are called to be missionaries to Raleigh, and putting this into action, is a blessing to see.
So, here are some stories to be encouraged by and to pray for. Hopefully we will see people visiting Imago Dei and coming to Christ.
Four Stories:
To preface, I was with A-Rod, but I know there are many other stories:
The first visit we had was with a wonderful Muslim woman who was possibly handicapped, as she had a walker. We also were able to meet her youngest son (her two older sons were not home). She invited us into her home to set the food on the counter, and we were able to clearly lay out the gospel to her, give her a card for our church, and actually join hands to pray the gospel with her. It was awesome! A-Rod and I hope to see her soon.
The second conversation was with a kind, tall man who actually did not want the food because he said, “I’m actually good.” But we did leave him a church card and he started asking a lot of questions. We told him where it was, and he, along with all others that we visited, was shocked that it was within walking distance. I asked him, “so are you gonna come worship the Lord with us?” He said, “Yeah man, I’ll be there.” Pray for him. He was a nice guy.
The third visit we had was with a young woman who was pregnant with a boy and also has a little girl. We were able to give a clear explanation of the gospel and explain to her that God loves her. We explained to her that prior to knowing Christ we would never have participated in helping others like this. We told her smiling with joy that it can only come from the grace of God. She smiled, agreed, and said “I’m going to check it out.” It was a really great conversation.
The fourth visit was with a woman who appeared to be in her early 20’s with some younger siblings. Also with them was their grandmother. We gave them the food, told them what we are about (Imago Dei, we love Jesus and the city), and then asked if she needed any prayer. The grandmother said, “Yes, pray for their mother.” Immediately I knew exactly what she was talking about. A-Rod asked, “Anything we can specifically be praying for?” The grandmother said, “Healing.” I said, “I’m not sure what the situation is. But I will remember to pray. My mom is actually a crack-addict and has been for many years. I will definitely remember to pray for you.” Their face looked surprised, and they were thankful. But I knew in that moment, we connected.
God is good. I think of how many years I was mad at God before believing in Christ, hating him for my mom being an addict. Now, it still breaks my heart. But in the awful situation, God is glorified. I’ve made countless connections with people in the city of Raleigh with that story. Romans 8:28 is magnified so much more when life is a real mess. I am thankful to God for his faithfulness!
In closing, this post is not to display how holy we are or to guilt those who did not take part. Only by the grace of God do we ‘know, grow, and go’. I have only been a Christian for a few years, and it makes me so glad to be a part of a church that lives on radical mission. This is cultivated in finely-preached exposition from our pastors (Tony, Nate, and Matt), grace-saturated discipleship with our growth group leaders, solid encouragement from our fellow members and friends, and most of all, our active obedience in missional living: Jesus Christ.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
–Mark 10:45