4/25/2007
<br>Author: Devin Pickard
<br>Title: 
<br><br>What would happen if your church announced it would be closing its doors in 30 days? This was a thought-provoking question I heard asked in a sermon several years ago. Would people in your community read an article in the newspaper and say, “That’s interesting. I wonder who will buy it?” or would they say, “No! It can’t be true! They’ve done so much for this community. What will we do without them?” <br><br>What are we doing for the people in our own backyards? Do people that live within a mile radius of our church buildings know what we’re about? Have we made even the first step in trying to include them in our family? Are there hearts that are open to the good news of Jesus that are within walking distance of where we park our cars on Sunday morning? <br><br>So much time, effort and money is put into overseas missions and faraway places. That’s wonderful. We should continue and expand those ministries. Are we putting the same time, effort and money into reaching the people that have the easiest access to what we’re teaching? <br><br>I’ve had an idea for backyard ministry. Now that I’m writing about it the hundreds of you that read this column each day can hold me accountable to making it happen. We live within a half mile of our church building. Within one block of our house there are four other families I know of that are dedicated Christians. I want to work with them to promote a neighborhood Bible study and prayer meeting. I have absolutely no idea what to expect, but Lord willing it will happen. <br><br>Our young married class is hoping to organize a door-to-door campaign that will blanket the area within a mile of our church building. Neighbor Days and Vacation Bible Schools are other excellent ways to minister in the backyard. <br><br>"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." - Luke 10:36-37 <br><br>(taken from brent@faithsite.com)<br>  <br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                                                          <br>Contrary to what our society is telling you and me, the world is NOT about “I, me, and my.”  This world does not center around what “I” want or desire.  As a Christian, my goal every day that I wake should be to make at least one person’s existence better because of Christ’s existence in me.  If our light is not shining, then they cannot see it.  Our Christian “bulbs” need to shine the brightest on Monday through Saturday.  We just naturally turn ‘em on Sunday morning.  Many “Church folks” do that.  Instead, the world needs to see them glaring 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  I mean they should have to put on sunglasses when they look our way.  Let’s narrow that down just a bit.  Consider this.  Chances are, one person today is secretly looking to you for something uplifting.  Maybe it’s a smile.  Maybe it’s a pat on the back.  Maybe it’s a shoulder to cry on.  Maybe it’s a word of encouragement.  Maybe it’s just someone with an ear to listen.  Regardless of what the “Maybe” is, it is something that only you can give. <br><br>The problem for some of us is that we sometimes have a difficult time picking out who the person is that needs that “Maybe...(whatever)”.  So I will tell you what.  Let’s just make it a point to treat everyone we come in contact with today as THAT person, and then we will be sure to be a blessing to them.  If you see a bunch of people walking toward you squinting, consider yourself on the right track!!<br>                           <br><br><br><br>Go the extra mile - Devin<br>