Thread by @RediscHumility

Thread: We had an exchange student hosted by several families in our church this summer, and who comes from a non-Christian background. She wrote a letter to our church upon her departure today. She gave me permission to share quotes from it during the sermon. Here are some: 1/7

"I am thankful for those who helped me in many different ways to come visit (your church) in the States.... I also recognize that it must have been Jesus Christ Who led me to this place, for which I am grateful...." 2/7

"I have never heard people pray for one another before. Nor have I attended Sunday Christian worship services or Bible studies. Though I am not proficient in English, I understood enough to be comforted every time someone prayed for me.... " 3/7

"I felt as if your prayers had washed my heart clean. I also felt that the distance between my heart and yours was shortened by your prayers.... Since my childhood, I have been dealing with sorrow and rejection... However, I was introduced to something new in Blacksburg." 4/7

"It was made clear to me through spending time with my host families that I have in fact already been loved by God! My hosts shared with me their personal testimonies and life experiences as Christians. They showed me the love of God in the written verses of the Bible... " 5/7

"I was led to discover that the love of Christ is the very foundational reason that all my hosts and other believers at (your church) are kind and rich in mercy towards me. No one can see love, but I have most definitely experienced love when I am among you." 6/7

"I intend to continue to build upon it once I go back home... I plan to visit (your mission church) there."

That's what it's all about: the Body of Christ showing love to a stranger so that what is invisible becomes visible. Her letter was essentially I John 4 in our midst. SDG.