Tonight's blog for April 26, 

As we were saying last night, our goal for small groups was to be more purpose oriented, moving toward a

specific focus. We want to see everyone in healthy and  balanced groups, like we have learned from Jesus and His work with Peter and John and James and the other Apostles. I said "our goal was… " We really did want to have things start on time and finish better, with parts for fellowship, parts for prayer and parts for study. 

Tonight's group in Luna Pier didn't work out that way. Our leader is June. She does a good job of keeping us on focus, at least she tries. She was a few minutes late because of a train in the way, but that is ok since she beat me there. I am usually there plenty early with my friend, Tony. It was necessary for me to drive over alone. When I forgot the cookies, (honest I left them at home… ha) I stopped for Twizzlers and as I stood in line to pay, I became aware of the neatly dressed gentleman, I later found out that he was named John. He was being told to move out of the way. Not just to get out of the line since he appeared confused, but his newer car, with dealer plates, was incorrectly parked and blocking the entrance. As I was paying, the conversation was about the older gentleman. He hadn't been rude or anything, but didn't seem able to get directions to highway 94, and to a place no one had heard of before. 

I went out to find him sitting in the front seat, with out starting the car, so I opened his door and asked if he was ok. He said he was, but showed me a piece of paper with a name and address, but it wasn't clear enough to read. I introduced myself, said I am a Christian, and that I was very concerned about his confusion. He had a beautiful smile and clear eyes, but said that he needed to get on the interstate and had to find highway 94. We didn't argue, but I told John that as a Christian, I was worried that he would die if he tried to drive in his confused state. At that point our common faith made him feel safer. When I told him that I am a minister, he said that he is too, and has preached occasionally. I thought that this might be the way to help him, so I invited John to come to our small group for snacks (remember, our focus? Fellowship usually equals food, ha) When he refused, I prayed for him, gave him my phone number and told him, under no terms was he to try to drive to Detroit alone that night. Then I left for Bible Study, already a few minutes late, but with a new prayer focus and a different plan for our time. 

On the way, two blocks away, I passed a police officer and stopped him and told him about John and his story. I gave him as much information as I could, and then went on to our Luna Pier group. As we started "testing" the Twizzlers to see if they were ok, I shared the story, and we began our study with prayer. In no way do I want to make light of John's situation, but after we prayed for him, we had an excellent study and prayer time. Each person in the group is important, and plays a special role in making our time together valuable. We are blessed. 

When we finished, I hurried home to call John, who answered his phone in a restaurant in Luna Pier. His friends had come to help him, and he was very appreciative of our caring and praying group. I don't know what would have happened to John if I hadn't forgotten the cookies, (honest, I forgot them!) or if I had been a few minutes late or early. I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't tapped on his window and introduced myself. John felt safe to talk to me, and to give me his phone number and to allow me to warn him to change his plans! He is being prayed for tonight by our small group. I am telling you tonight about John so you can pray for this man, our Christian brother, who needed a bit of care and love tonight. 

Anyway, in the past, I have said that I don't believe in coincidences, but I do believe in loving and helping those who are hurt, or confused, or lonely or afraid. Our group started late, without the cookies that were planned to share, and we spent twenty minutes of our time on a topic, caring for John, and in praying for John. All in all, isn't that what we are supposed to be doing? GOD bless you tonight, my dear friends… big marv