A reminder lesson from Raul Santos’ story

Learning your church’s early history keeps us focused on how exactly we may accomplish FFAC’s mission: to bring people to Christ and build them up in Christ for God’s glory. (My paraphrase of FFAC’s Mission Statement – check the bulletin’s front page).

and how he got into the ministry before the deacons and wives at the Zamora’s last Tuesday evening. Then, let me tell you how this is instructive when we invite guests to our church anniversary. 

During the early days of FFAC, it’s fascinating how God used an unlikely bunch of young adults to bring people to Christ and His church. We hardly had money, but we at least had the heart to serve. We only knew two things: get right with God and be willing to do whatever it takes to bring people to Himself. 

We were young and very prone to foolish decisions. Yet God got a hold of us. We realized our spiritual ruin, rejected our sinful lifestyle and lived exclusively for God – which meant being available to do anything in the name of serving Jesus and His church. Visitation became Raul’s forte. Driving to all the far corners of Edmonton and suburbs became the norm for him and the rest of us. We took people to church and drove them back to their residences. 

I now say “we” after I’ve listened to Raul because I had several “Oh yeah!” moments during the deacons’ get-together. I recall being part of the humble beginnings of FFAC. By connecting personally with people in their homes, it was our way of showing: we care for you, here’s a Word from the Lord (we would share Scripture verses) and always prayed for the ones being visited before leaving. Raul says they are still doing that until now whether here in Canada or in the Arabian Peninsula, where they work. 

Church Anniversary – Oct 11-12

How is the above story instructive when we invite our friends to the church anniversary? As we go around inviting people before the event, it is a natural opportunity to invite newcomers to Canada to a gathering especially designed for them. We recognize the challenges adjusting to a new country. Loneliness – make new friends and find a community to belong. Emptiness or that void feeling – it’s an opening to discuss what God may be saying or wishing to do in their lives – that stripped of everything else – God in Jesus Christ is all a person needs.

I told the anniversary volunteers and planning team that when the celebration weekend is over, that’s when the real work begins. I challenged every person to meet at least ten (10) new people and intentionally connect with 3-5 persons regularly after that weekend. We need to stay in touch with the new folks we meet for the sake of making new friends. No other agenda than to be a genuine friend because these people are not our “project”. It is in the context of a friendship that the Lord may open natural non-threatening opportunities to share what Jesus offers to anyone who genuinely seeks Him.

It takes time to build a relationship bridge. It won’t happen in one event. It won’t happen in 2 or 3 meetings after. A no-strings-attached friendship develops over a period of time: months, years of staying connected and walking together. That’s what our international workers are doing where they live and work. That’s what Raul and Donna did and do whenever they are here. They’ve seen the power of God in changing people’s lives because there’s no heart too hard that cannot be softened by the love of Jesus and loving people in His name.

You don’t have to be in career ministry to do this. Raul reminded us that he’s been doing the same thing before entering into “full-time” ministry. With or without a title or position in church, God calls every Christian, to help turn ordinary people into totally sold-out followers of Christ.

 ricky p. mapa, pastor