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A Cup of Cold Water

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt…”
(Colossians 4:5, NIV).

Joy Wootton, Administrative Assistant to Arlene Allen, has inspired me with her love for her neighbors who have yet to believe in Christ. Several months ago, she asked us to pray for the women on her block and told us about an event she was planning for them. Her passion and creativity have challenged me to think more about the women who live within walking distance of my home—“Do they understand how much God loves them?” “Are they hurting and searching for hope?” “Is there some way I can build a relationship with them and allow God’s love to flow through me?”

Here are some of the ways Joy tries to share God’s love in her neighborhood:

1. Girls’ Movie Night—Joy delivered personal invitations to 12 women living on her block. On a Friday and Saturday night, Joy showed the Janette Oke series, Love Comes Softly, knowing these movies would open the door for spiritual conversation.
2. Saturday Morning Breakfast—Joy invited the women on her block for homemade breakfast and conversation.
3. A Storm Shelter—During a recent storm, Joy went to the neighbors who didn’t have basements and invited them into her basement for shelter. They enjoyed several hours visiting together while the storm was raging, and Joy was able to pray with them before they left.
4. Practical Care—Joy has a sick neighbor who is often away from home. She takes care of her cat and mail while she is gone. Joy also organized other neighbors to take meals to her neighbor’s family when they were in greatest need.

Here are a few more ideas:

5. Build a Relationship—Look for creative ways to build a relationship with a neighbor through shared interests—working out, scrapbooking, sharing recipes, gardening, parenting, walking, etc.
6. Backyard Barbeque—Organize a cookout for the neighbors on each side of you.
7. Book Club—Buy a few copies of a Christian novel and give them to your neighbors. Organize a book club and invite them to attend.
8. Get Acquainted Dinner—When a new family moves into the neighborhood, invite them and another neighbor family for dinner.

Joy encourages us to not grow discouraged if our neighbors don’t respond immediately to our friendship. It may takes months or even years of consistently showing God’s love before we feel we are making a difference in someone’s life. But remember, Jesus promises to notice even “a cup of cold water given in His name” (Matthew 10:42). And not only will He notice, He is able to take the smallest act of kindness—like sharing our lunch—and work miracles!

God has opened many doors for KERRY CLARENSAU, which have prepared her for her current position as Leadership Development Coordinator for the national Women’s Ministries Department. Kerry has served the Kansas District in different ministry roles and as national Missionettes Coordinator. Under her leadership the current Mpact girls clubs (formerly Missionettes) program was developed in 1998. She has also served as women’s pastor at Maranatha Worship Center in Wichita, Kansas, where her husband serves as senior pastor. She is a Bible teacher, writer, wife, mother and much more. Her role as pastor’s wife is instrumental in developing effective leadership resources for the local church.

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