Fran and Janet

Funny how things come full circle sometime.

One of the first (and most popular) "60"s I wrote was how people tend to paint Peter as a goat because he lost faith while walking on the water and began to sink. Now, my personal view is that Peter should be counted as a hero for at least getting out of the boat in the first place. Taking a chance on Christ. Not staying in the safe, and throwing a leg over in faith - white knuckle faith at that.

And this weekend I wanted to point out two people who are "getting out of the boat" - Fran and Janet. Fran and Janet have been an instrumental part of the Hispanic LA La Viña Outreach since its inception. Every week there they are, with diapers, bubbles, toys and hugs for every single person we serve. When Doug and I started the outreach we had hard time because here we are, two white guys who speak no Spanish, looking for all the world like Border Patrol cops and we needed a way to soften the experience. Fran and Janet do just that.

Now this weekend, with Doug and I being in the U.P., they are going to lead LA La Viña and I know they'll do a great job. Because they're not doing it for themselves. Or to impress others. Or to score some points with God. No, they're doing it because it's work that needs to be done in the name of Christ. Must be done. Because our amigos at the Willows look forward to us showing up, checking in on them, offering them prayer and, yes Fran, especially offering a smile and a hug. For them, it's proof of the power and grace of Christ.

Philippians tells us, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction". Most of us know the first verse (13), but don't know the next (verse 14). "Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction."

How's that for some roll-up-your-sleeves, lift 'em up from the depth inspiration? See, we need to reach out to people – all people – in their trouble, in their pain, in their darkness, in their silent agony. Christian and non-Christian alike. As our teaching pastor Joe Boyd says, "We need to walk through the gates of hell and walk people out...to Christ". I can't say it any better than that.

So please pray for Fran and Janet. That they are inspired through Christ and He shows then something new in Him. 'Cause that's what happens when you get out of the boat and take a chance on God - He comes through. Read that last part again. He comes through. And my challenge is if you've been getting a nudge to get out of the boat, throw a leg over and plant your foot solidly on the water in the name of Christ. It's scary. It's weird. It's the best chance you'll ever take.

Have a great week! Now go do something scary for Christ.