God continues to blow my mind with how He uses the accepting culture of Origins and the boldness of all of our invitations to reach people far from God! Here's a story I got to hear from this week:
It is so incredible as I look at Origins and see how God has allowed me to be in the right place at the right time to invite people to our wonderful church. Many of the people are now members and serving God in a big way. The most recent, I am sure will be no different, if I know God.
I work with a woman that has recently been diagnosed and is being treated for breast cancer. Over the years, I have gotten to know her. We have shared a lot about our families. I have shared a lot about Origins. She shared with me about her son who has struggled with addiction. He ended up in prison, which she hoped in the end would have a positive impact on him. While he was in prison she and her son's girlfriend came to visit Origins when we were in the theatre. Her son's girlfriend was raised Jehovah Witness. They both said they enjoyed the service but I never saw them at the church again. Since then her son has been released from prison. He also has a beautiful daughter that is the apple of her grandmother's eye. After my co-worker was diagnosed she stopped in my office to tell me that she has been able to talk to her family about salvation and eternity. She said they all are now going to church and that if cancer is what it took for them to have a relationship with Jesus, it is worth it. She told me her husband, son and his girlfriend were all going to church with her. She was beaming as she told me. She stated that her son and his girlfriend was going to check out Origins as they did not feel connected to the church they were currently attending. After their second visit, she told me her son came home and told her that a guy he was in prison with also attends Origins (You know God will use any connection). Well last Sunday was their third straight Sunday. It was the first Sunday they heard you (Scotty) speak. I spoke to her on Monday and she said they came home saying they really liked your preaching. Her son asked about how he would go about getting involved with the upcoming Peru mission trip. She told me that she noticed when he came home his truck was sporting the Origins bumper sticker. She said he must really like our church!
God is SO great and one never knows how He may be placing you in just the right place at just the right time for something we may not see for years later!! Stay faithful and never stop inviting!
Lori
