Hello again from Goffstown! Recently we have had people ask us why they don’t get our email updates anymore! It was good to know people want to know what’s new and how to pray for us. In our last update, Landon mentioned he would soon begin coaching the Goffstown High School JV soccer team. That may be one reason you haven’t heard from us in awhile. Landon was thankful for the opportunity to get involved the school and meet more of the local teens. It made for a busy few months balancing church, coaching, and the coffee shop job he still works 2 days a week. We also were involved in coaching the local Tri -Town rec soccer for our younger kids. We love these chances to meet new families and deepen relationships with those we have already made. It’s amazing what opportunities God gives when we open our hearts and mouths to the people around us.
In all the busyness of life and people and conversations, Landon and I find we need to remind ourselves often of the reason why we are doing what we do. Why are we starting converstions with random strangers? Why are we inviting neighbors over for dinner? Why keep initiating through barriers and awkward moments when somedays to be honest, it feels pointless. Some days it feels like rejection. It’s so much easier to keep to myself, to ignore my neighbors, and focus on my own to do list. So, what’s the point? Good question. The point is (well there may be more than 1) But I believe one point is love. We are called called to love. Love initiates, love sacrifices, love does what is best for the other person. I read a quote in a book “The Call to love” that said “The Point is to love, no matter the outcome” How true! I am not guaranteed any success or formulated outcome when I reach out in love. But if I loved others well in the name of Jesus, that’s the point.
Another point is to obey. God commands us to live a life beyond ourselves by focusing on others. To go and find others to follow Jesus with us. That’s what he trained his disciple to do, become fishers of men. (Matt. 4:19) So why not try it tomorrow. Start fishing. It feels really odd and vulnerable at first. They might think you’re weird. They might ignore you and stay far away from you. Or they might surprise you. They might open and and tell you how their little girl just asked them how she can get to heaven? She thinks its a stairway or a road but how does she find it? This happened to me at a soccer game. And I knew God had given the opportunity to share with this father the truth of the Bible and how he and his daughter can know they have eternal life through Jesus. There are hungry people all around you wanting to know truth and love. Jesus is the only answer. We must tell them. (John 3:17) Just like fishing there are many times you try and catch nothing. Unlike fishing when someone is “caught” by the grace of God they are set free from sin!
A third and final reason to inititate relationships to others is to share in the sufferings of Christ. A major reason I don’t like to reach out is that I fear rejection. Landon recently reminded me that when I am feeling rejected its an opportunity to know more of how Jesus feels. He continually offers himself to a world that rejects him. But that doesn’t stop Him, His love is stronger than that. God please strengthen us to be bold to carry your truth and open our eyes to the opportunities we have everyday with people who need you!
Now that soccer is over we are looking forward to the Holiday Season, and times of fellowship we will share with our church family. Some upcoming events to be praying about, This Saturday the Radford family will host our first annual Applefest! This will be a great way to invite friends and neighbors out for food and fun. We are thankful to have the Kirby family, missionaries to South Africa, visit our service November 18. We will also celebrate a meal of Thanks that day for what God is doing around the world.
We praise God for the work He is doing in Goffstown and surrounding area and so glad to be a part! We thank you for your prayers, love, and support.
Sarah Clouse