Be A Blessing,

Be A Blessing | Stories From The Home Front 2

By First Dallas Staff

Ecclesiastes 3 teaches us that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” While no one could have predicted that we would be sheltering at home to avoid a virus only a few months into 2020, it didn’t surprise the Lord. He is using and moving in His church to bring hope and impact lives for the Kingdom, and we love sharing stories of what God is doing.

A Time to Share the Gospel

A PTV listener asked for help talking to a neighbor who is wondering where God is in all of this. One of our staff was able to encourage her and share Scripture to equip her to talk to her neighbor and share the hope she has found.

On Sunday mornings, the college ministry is teaching through the book of Philippians on Zoom. During a recent Sunday meeting, they were discussing the benefits of community and how it shapes our journey of sanctification. Two students shared how they are not from Christian homes and our gatherings, even online in this season, have been encouraging. In this time of uncertainty, they even feel their opportunities to witness to their families are growing. Our ministry is getting to be a part of equipping our students to share the hope they have in Christ, even in their own homes during this pandemic!

A Time to Invite

A woman who has visited our church is married to a local police officer. During a season of anxiety and fear, our church and pastor have been an encouragement to both of them. Since her husband grew up with a staunch Catholic background, it has been challenging to transition churches or even attend. But he has been able to tune in to Dr. Jeffress’ sermons. Our church family has been able to minister to them, and the church member in contact with them is encouraging and praying that they both can join us in person after this crisis.

A Time to Give

After an FFA livestock show was cancelled, a family purchased 10 show hogs in order to help the kids and families who would struggle from not being able to show or sell their livestock. Then they collaborated with church staff to identify who could most benefit from the meat. We were able to give the meat to Dallas Life Foundation to provide meals for the homeless. Praise God for those who see a need and seek to meet a need.

A Time to Connect

One of our members expressed his thanks for the programing our church is providing during this time. He said he can keep up with what day of the week it is better because of what our church is doing. He was able to attend Worship with iCampus and Zoom Sunday School with The Presidents’ class. His wife attended her Tuesday Women’s Bible Study via Facebook Live and had choir rehearsal online on Wednesday. The digital activities have helped them connect and provided normalcy for their week during shelter-at-home.

Our Facebook Women’s Bible Studies are thriving! 350 have signed up for the Tuesday watch party. And the interactive comments were by the hundreds our first week. We are so grateful for the TRUTH being taught online. And ladies from all over the country were watching!

A Time to Minister

One of our Sunday School teachers called a mom to check in. The mom said they were doing well, but she was struggling to find toilet paper for her family of seven! The teacher prayed with her on the phone. The next day, the mom discovered several packages of toilet paper on her front porch. She immediately called the teacher and thanked her. The Sunday School teacher said she had prayed that morning for God to use her to be a blessing to another person. The request for toilet paper was an answer to her own prayer and a way for her to be a blessing!

A member called Marie to check in and listened to her fears about catching the virus due to the amount of people she works with on a daily basis. The member prayed with and for Maria. Thirty minutes later, Maria was informed that they were sending her home with full pay, providing safety and security for her in this season. Marie expressed her gratitude for the prayer and for God’s provision.

A Time to Celebrate

One of our members connected with Caleb and Amber, an engaged couple navigating the current crisis. Caleb and Amber were encouraged by the call and wanted to do the right thing in their relationship. They chose to get married over Zoom! Caleb and Amber desire to encourage their peers in relationships to be wise during this time and walk rightly in their relationships.