caffeine, please.

Caught in the act...

Saturday our family arrived at Lakeview Pantry for grocery delivery--first time back since November.  As I was getting out of the car I saw ahead of me Jamie V., New Life member, heading in to pick up her groceries for delivery. 

How cool!  I know Jamie.  Jamie serves in ministry, is really involved in small group and has been a part of the church for a number of years.  And I had no idea that she was spending Saturday mornings delivering groceries to people in need.  I caught Jamie in the act... of doing good in Jesus name.

Jesus couture

Misha Beverly was recently baptized at our Lincoln Park location.  She is a newcomer to Chicago and to New Life.  A Columbia Chronicle reporter recently caught her in the act--in the act of working hard and excelling in fashion design while following Jesus.  What a well-dressed combination.  You can read about it for yourself...
 

Catching someone doing something good, again

A few weeks ago I did a post about bumping into someone who was doing something good. 

Well, it happened again this morning.  Our tribe had just finished loading up for Saturday grocery delivery with Lakeview Pantry.  Before heading out to deliver, I ran over to Starbucks to grab Gil a shot of "wake me up".  I stepped inside and there was Victoria, an active member of our Lakeview location sitting at a table by door.  We said hello and after some conversation I asked her what she was up to.

What was she doing at Starbucks this morning?  Having quiet time with God.  Her Bible was open, her notebook was out and she was seeking Jesus.  And I was privileged to see her doing it.  She wasn't expecting to see anyone and wasn't obeying Jesus for the sake of anyone else.  She was just doing what a follower of Jesus does and I happened to witness it by "accident".

I've got to say that these simple encounters--bumping into New Life people who are demonstrating God's heart in simple and unnoticed acts of obedience, is the best part of being a pastor.  Praying for many more moments like these.  What an awesome work God is doing in the hearts and lives of people

Catching someone doing something good

Tonight I had to run up to the church building to grab a book.  When I arrived Juan L. was out front.  I said hello and asked if he was waiting for group to start.  "No.  I'm meeting someone who wants to get baptized."  Juan had set up a meeting with Mark to walk him through our First Steps material to help him understand and prepare for baptism.  (Mark's wife just got baptized this Sunday.)

I love running into people who are quietly doing things that please the heart of God.  Juan was only himself baptized in the last 6 months and here he is getting someone else ready for baptism already.  That's what Jesus commanded--learn to follow Him then go and teach others the same.  Great stuff!  Its the little things that matter most. 

Some Christians live for years without taking this step.  I love seeing people step up immediately to do what Jesus says.  Good work, Juan!