Capitol View Seventh-day Adventist Church

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed that we would be united. Not just once, but THREE times He asked the Father to unite us.

We need to unite, to be one, despite our differences. Our differences make us more beautiful and treasured. Fellowship is a way to unite. We need to get to know each other, to show others we care about them. We need to learn each other's stories. We can do this by staying for potluck after Sabbath service and sitting with people we don't know well, to learn about them. We can invite people over for a Sabbath meal, Friday vespers, or any day to have fellowship with our neighbors, co-workers, fellow church members. If they aren't Adventists or maybe even Christians, the Spirit can use this time for you to reach out to them. Get to know them, show that you care and they will trust you and wonder why you are so different.

When we unite with others, we can share our stories. When we share ours, we are really sharing Jesus' story. Your story connects to their story, which connects to His story. And that can make all the difference. How to share? Don't throw yourself at them. Ask where they are in their spiritual journey, and they will give the opening the Holy Spirit wants so that you can give your Transformation Story. It's a better word than testimony, as giving your life to the Lord transformed you.

You may reach out to someone who is suffering. It is in these moments of pain and suffering that people are most open to pivot TO God, as well as pivot AWAY from Him. This is why being invested in people is so important. They see we care, and we can help as long as we aren't preachy and just throwing scripture at them. They don't want to hear scripture; they want to know how God helped you and will help them. Light shines the brightest when it's the darkest. Transformed people transform people.

Keep it short though, you don't want them bored and think being a Christian is the last thing they want to do. Remember three simple steps: what your life was like before Christ, how, why, and when you met Christ, and what your life has been like after accepting Christ as your savior. They don't want scripture recited to them, they don't want to hear about doctrine or the fruit of the Spirit or anything that is Adventist specific. They want to know how Christ changed your life. Practice with a fellow believer, not the people you want to witness to. Be ready at any time to share your Transformation Story, because you never know when the Lord is going to say "you need to reach out to this person right now, they are ready to hear about Me."

Blessings on your day, and may the Lord use you to bring people to Him! Let's Unite and BE ONE with our Lord and Savior!