Had a coffee with Al this week. He was wearing an F.B.I. sports shirt. A real one. Al has worked in intelligence and policing for many years and has moved with his family to Sydney. Al tells me he's an atheist. He comes to church not only because his wife and children encourage him to, but because of the "little things" "
"You people are really kind", he said almost apologetically.
I was a little taken aback. This guy keeps coming to church not because of the gripping Bible expositions and stimulating post-worship discussions but because he thinks we're kind.
It got me thinking. I reckon Al's onto something. I reflected on the past month and I was really heartened.
I thought of Ruth, a student from Malaysia. She was doing some short term study in Sydney and lobbed into church just before Christmas. Each week after the service people shared their lunch with her and took her sight-seeing. Ruth went home to K.L. last weekend and her new "family' was there at the airport with farewell hugs and kisses. I heard about all this after the event. "Little things". Brilliant.
John and Wendy are away for a month. As it happens another family are looking for accommodation in the area. Unbeknown to me they've moved into John and Wendy's pristine apartment. They have small children. Toddlers. John and Wendy didn't hesitate to give them the keys.
Small stuff, sure" but blokes like Al are really impressed. His wife and the temporary apartment dwelling family go to the same playgroup. They talk. Good news gets around.
And there's another story. "C.K' (real name) takes time off work to set up and tear down for the playgroup. I never asked him to. He saw a need and simply stepped in. The kids love him and the mums (oops sorry, the
"carers") can't believe it. The work is not onerous but it sure makes a difference.
One last story. Yuan was married just after Christmas. In Brisbane. Yuan was a member of the Asian congregation. So ten of the members of this group, in two cars, drove up to wish their brother in Christ well. They did all the touristy stuff along the way but also had daily Bible studies, prayer times and shared meals. Kelly, a new believer (who went back to Korea on Saturday) was deeply moved by all this. She's very keen to serve Jesus after experiencing all this love in action stuff.
Anyway, they arrived at the wedding and Yuan was overwhelmed. So were many of the guests. Yuan's "sisters' and "brothers' from Sydney were on hand to celebrate his wedding.
Al's point is a good one. Little acts of kindness authenticate what we believe.
He saw me on Sunday and said he'd like to talk about miracles" .I guess having seen a few ‘little ones’ he now wants an explanation!
