 Eileen Palmer
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I had been praying that the Lord would lead me in the direction He would have me serve Him since we started attending Alma First Church of God. Although I had thought about just sitting back and taking in what I could, I knew that if I were to continue to grow in my Christian life I needed to find a way that I could also be of service. Since I had taught Sunday school classes in the past I thought about teaching again however, after attending a couple of different classes at our church I discovered that there are many highly qualified teachers and I felt this was not the direction for me. I continued to pray for God’s leading.
When I heard about the Christ Care small groups my first thought was that I would probably enjoy being a member of one: Especially since I had been part of small groups in the past and know how helpful and enjoyable they can be. I attended the informational meeting and was really impressed with the way it would be organized. I felt a little nudge when the need for leaders was presented but not enough to get me to do anything about it. I just felt that it would require more time then I was ready to give. Then the nudge got a little harder, so I requested an application to be a leader. However, I just stuffed it in my Bible. Then I finally removed it from my Bible and filled it out. I still stuffed it back in my Bible where it stayed for several more weeks. I would take it out and look at it when I had my devotions but just kept putting it back, still not sure if I was ready to commit myself to it. No matter how hard the nudges became, I had found other ways to keep myself busy.
I know that in this secular world how important it is to have a good Christian support system. But I am like so many people that find it hard to find that support for myself or to give to others when everyone is so busy with the activities of their daily lives. However, I have discovered for myself that if I want to add anything to my schedule, no matter how important it may be, I have to intentionally plan for it. So that became the focus of my prayer. When the announcements were made that the interviews would soon begin for Christ Care leaders, I gave more attention to those nudges. Finally, I handed the application in and scheduled an appointment for an interview.
After being accepted and then beginning the training it wasn’t long before I had full confidence that this is what the Lord wanted for me. Although every one who was taking the training has very different personalities and has very different lives, it wasn’t long and we became our own small group. What an amazing time I was having! Someone asked me during the training how I liked it. I could say without hesitation I was thoroughly enjoying it and receiving a real blessing. Sure it was a lot of hours, but it was worth all of it.
If I can be even a small part of someone else having the same experiences I have had then I know I am in for even greater blessings.
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 Marcia Smith
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ChristCare training has been a transforming journey. My passion to know God has intensified as I’ve learned Biblical Equipping through the honor of His presence. In magnificent simplicity, new truths are revealed daily that make a difference in my life. I am not a scholar; I search for simple truth that bursts forth like bright sunshine coming out from under a cloud.
I would like to share this kind of learning with a few ladies who also are seekers of the magnificent truth. A few desiring Christian friendship; a few who will be faithful in preparation, partnership and participation. With the Lord, we never have to ask, “Is that all there is (to life)”? His presence passes all understanding.
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