Getting to Know You

One of the ingredients of a sound community is the desire to spend time together in one way or another. The picture is from church at the beach which is a gathering of church individuals and families for a cookout and beach fellowship on a weeknight in Myrtle Beach. I had a chance to get to know people better than just the normal church time. As a part of the healing ministry team I have had the chance to get to know still others. Each of these opportunities gives a community a chance to deepen relationships. I find many different possibilities available even across great distances through Facebook. I laugh with some of the messages and comments but I do get to know peoples lives and sense of humor and problems and joys. For some of the people it helps me know what they need and especially what I can pray about for them. I would not have thought that a computer could be used to form a meaningful network of friends but I do feel connected to many of you through this crazy medium. I do know that as I spend more time physically alone, I find the feeling of connection in community has even more value to me. I think one of the important pieces of my ministry was engaging people in Christian community. I knew then and I know now that Christ formed a community of friends that changed the world, and that my world was changed by participation in Christian communities of friends. We can't have real friends without sharing ourselves with others, by getting to know you and letting you get to know me.