No day in all the year offers more HOPE than Easter Sunday! On Easter, we celebrate the power and truth of Jesus Christ over death and proclaim him as the risen Son of God! Because of his life, death and resurrection, all he taught us about life, the Father, about relationships, about eternity is TRUE and we can stop speculating about whether or not he is worthy of our devotion. This Easter Sunday, we will proclaim this truth and offer it to all who choose to attend.
I have a challenge for you. How would you like to know you have played a part in someone's decision to follow Christ? Why not use this week, Holy Week, to invite someone you know to worship on Easter? You probably know someone who is looking for HOPE. What they need is someone to reach out and care enough to invite them to Easter Worship.
Here is the challenge: Monday and Tuesday of this week, pray for someone you know who does not attend any church. It may be a neighbor, a friend, or someone at work. Pray that God would bless them and that God would give you greater compassion and interest in them. On Wednesday of this week, call them on the phone and invite them to our Easter Service. Let them know you will be glad to pick them up if they would like, or simply promise to meet them at the entrance to the church that morning. Let them know you don't expect an answer right then and there. After all, they may be a little surprised at your invitation. Ask them to think about it for a day or two. Let them know you will call back on Friday to check on their response. When you call on Friday, listen for their response. If they decline your invitation, thank them for at least considering it and let them know they are welcome to join you any time. If they accept your invitation, let them know how thrilled you are! If appropriate, invite them to join you for Easter lunch following the service.
Who knows whose spirit you might "resurrect" by reaching out! It just might launch a new faith journey for someone who needs a little HOPE!
Stuart
