Rachel's Reflections

Soak in the Gospel to Spread the Gospel   Why would thousands of people spend 6+ hours on a Friday night soaking in a pastor's talk about the Gospel? Because of a compassionate, burning desire to share that Gospel with the lost.  Secret Church #18, with David Platt, was hosted in Nashville, Tennessee. I was able to attend a simulcast of it at Grace Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan with a friend and the others who attended. It went late into  the night with powerful truths about the Gospel in relation to cults and counterfeit Gospels as well as special prayer times for Malaysia. A few points that stood out to me: Our goal is not to win an argument with contempt (or persuasion). Our goal is to care for a friend with compassion (and the power of Christ). The essence of sin : Man substitutes himself for God. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be.  The essence of salvation : God substitutes Himself for man. God sacrifices Himself f

Shock and discomfort swept over me as I stepped inside.  Doubts ran through my mind: " What am I doing here ?" " I don't know anyone ." " I don't belong, I don't fit in ." Announcements were made in another language and translated into English for those of us who needed it. I felt overwhelmed and intimidated.  As I opened up and began talking with a few people I relaxed and was able to enjoy the evening.  Delicious Middle Eastern food was served in a lively, friendly atmosphere. Tonight was the grand opening of the West Michigan Friendship Center. A place for refugees and immigrants to find resources, make friends, enjoy community, and make the adjustment to living in a new culture alongside others doing the same. Later in the evening I mentioned to a new acquaintance my initial fear, discomfort, and overwhelming reaction upon entering the place. She responded that is how most all refugees and immigrants feel upon entering a new cult

" Are you going to try the Arabic coffee ?" my Arab friend asked me Thursday night at the language cafe's monthly potluck where I volunteer. "Well, I don't usually drink coffee... but maybe I'll try a little bit for you," I responded. I started pouring and was shocked to see orange liquid in my cup. "Why is it orange?!" I asked her. "Oh, it's not orange, it's golden... This is because the coffee beans are not roasted long." Interesting, I thought as I sipped on the liquid, thankful it didn't have the bitter taste of other coffee. As we continued talking she explained that it is  polite to only fill a guest's cup half full so it can be refilled during their stay which shows attentiveness to their needs. After asking her what she had learned of Easter the previous weekend, she expressed interest in reading the Bible and I was able to show her the Arabic translations offered on the YouVersion Bible app for phones. I