My wife, Miriam (pictured second from right), was delivering welcome packets and a small gift from The Vine to new residents in our community when she met Susan (pictured right), a friendly widow who had recently moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Miriam invited her to church, but she didn’t commit right away.
Before Miriam left, Susan mentioned she needed help breaking down boxes from her move. The next day, I stopped by, cleared out the boxes filling her garage, and invited her to church as well. She once again didn’t commit, but she did share she needed help changing a light fixture. One of our members, Dan (pictured left), went over the next day, took care of it, and invited her to church too. She still didn’t commit to coming.
The following Sunday, Susan came to worship. She has been back every week since.
God used simple acts of service and repeated invitations to remind us that helping someone in need and inviting them to church is never wasted time. God blesses mission work, often in unexpected ways.
From Kevin Schultz (pictured second from left), home missionary at The Vine in Hayden, Idaho
