E-Story by Mary Knox

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E-Story by Mary Knox

Where do I begin? It all started back in October before the Harvest Carnival. This new woman walked in the auditorium, late for a Friday night service. She’s been coming almost every week since, as far as I can tell.

Fast forward to Friday night, December 2, after the service down in the North Hall where all the Christmas Tea ladies were setting their tables for the Christmas Tea. Brenda Leonard, bless her heart, was asking everyone if they are attending the Christmas Tea. She saw this woman who had wandered down to the North Hall after the Friday night service.  Brenda invited her, but money and babysitting were an issue. Brenda gifted her and found babysitting for her daughters so she could attend the Tea. She ended up having a wonderful time. She emailed me, “It was a privilege to be there and feel at home.”

The young woman came to Evergreen on Sunday for the 11:15 service where she was impacted by the eight baptisms. During the three-minute break she told me she’d like to be mentored, so after the service I talked with her about mentoring. While talking she told me she did not have assurance of her salvation and did not have Christ in her heart. She knew and understood the Gospel, but just hadn't accepted God's free gift yet. I told her she could pray right there and confess her sin, ask for forgiveness, ask Jesus into her heart, and surrender her life to Him. She was comfortable with praying right there, so in those comfy blue seats, in the dark, back row, the young mom was saved! Christ came into her heart: she is a sister, a disciple, “all-in”, and ready to get baptized in February.

We have been texting and emailing since then. She bought a bible app for her phone. She is excited about God and his word and is joyous and hopeful despite some challenging circumstances.

Please rejoice with me in this amazing and wonderful event that was influenced by a myriad of people, events [services, preaching, saints, Christmas Tea , and baptisms ], and best of all, the Triune God. Jesus, we give you all the glory.

Today I read Psalm 66: 2: "Tell the world how glorious He is. Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.’"

There is just something about the Christmas season that makes the heart sensitive to spiritual things.  So preach the gospel, in season, and out! Invite all your people to the Christmas services.