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Bill Schomburg--
I want to share with you a story of the impact of Hope. Hope has been the conduit for the HOLY SPIRIT in my life for 5 years. I have been blessed in so many ways that the feeling is almost indescribable. Recently I stood at the back of the auditorium as a Saturday night service was ending. A young man (in his mid-thirties) moved to the aisle to exit. Usually I say to someone leaving, “Good night,” “Have a great weekend,” etc. It is usually my wife who introduces herself to someone, engages in conversation, and forms a relationship. I am not that outgoing until I get to know someone. Not this night. Something urged me to extend my hand and offer an introduction. This man looked up, visibly moved, and accepted my hand. I then noticed the tears in his eyes, and the uncertainty of his grip. I simply told him he was not alone, offered some other inane comment, and allowed him to continue on his way. The HOLY SPIRIT screamed at me: “Hey, you dope—you told him he is not alone. Then you let him GO OUT ALONE.” I raced out to the parking lot, caught up with the man, and asked him: “Do you have someone to talk to?” He responded “I am going to talk to my dad.” I accepted that and invited him back to Hope, and we parted ways. As I was going back into the building, Rita Young thanked me for “helping” that same man. As she and Duane served Communion, Rita had noticed this man in his seat. I marveled at her attentiveness, as he was not seated directly in front of her—nor even in the front half of the room. The end of the story? Not quite.
As the worship team gathers to rehearse each Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, brief comments or stories are shared and prayer requests or praise offered. Usually the focus of the group is the idea that we be made transparent so the gifts or talents of each participant will let the light of JESUS CHRIST shine through, so the people GOD has invited to service at Hope might receive HIS message. The rest of the story is that GOD used several members of the community of Hope to reach the man I described above. When the worship team met that Sunday morning, Ray Tolley shared his interaction with a man the previous evening. As Ray was leaving the parking lot, he noticed a vehicle and drove over to make sure someone was not having car trouble. When the man in the driver’s seat heard Ray’s inquiry, he told Ray he was praying before going to see his father. When I heard this, I knew we had spoken to the same man.
Why am I writing this message? A couple of reasons come to mind. The first is that the community of Hope is a body that GOD has blessed with leadership that “gets it.” The current message series is a direct illustration of this point. We are not told what to do; we are guided with teaching from the word of GOD and allowed to use our talents and spiritual gifts in glorifying GOD and HIS kingdom. The second point: Step out there! Trust the HOLY SPIRIT when you are invited to action. Usually it is not the “big thing” we all look for when called; it may be the smallest of invitations. The idea is being faithful in small ways, so we will be considered ready for greater responsibility.
Hope is a really special place. Each of you make it that way.
Oh, the man I mentioned above? He continues to bless Hope with his presence. I am really excited to see what GOD is going to do in his life.
In HIS grip,
Bill Schomburg
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