This year’s theme for Summer Friendship Gathering is “Called Out of Your Boat.” Along with our friends with disabilities, we will learn how Jesus calls us out of our boats (or comfort zones, our everyday lives). In John 21, Peter jumped out of his boat. He answered the call of Jesus to take care of His sheep.
One of the five elements that Friendship Groups embrace is “fellowship.” We all need fellowship. We can share a snack or a meal, or simply greet one another and share a highlight from our week. As we learned last at summer’s Gathering, we were created for Christian community.
During my Friendship Group visits, I noticed that many volunteer companions continue to embrace this importance of fellowship beyond their weekly meetings. Some even strive to become Co-Laborer in Christ!
In Acts 2 the Bible tells us that the early church continued to meet together every day. A meaningful way us to follow Jesus and take care of His sheep is to invest our time in each other.
Dick meets with a friend for coffee and devotions at McDonalds once a week. Connie has a friend and their guardian over for dinner once a month. Don shares a meal and an afternoon helping a friend prepare a lesson he can teach his Friendship group.
Some volunteers make frequent phone calls, others visit friends who are in the hospital, nursing home, or at home and unable to attend the weekly groups. Being together to read the Bible and pray goes a long way to include our friends in the body of Christ. I’m sure you have witnessed more examples.
It’s a blessing when a friend of mine asks how she can pray for me. Her prayers strengthen me. In turn, her prayers compel me to do the same for others. We’ve become co-laborers together in the body of Christ! She is answering the call of Jesus to take care of His sheep.
As we gather to pray, visit, show hospitality, and encourage our friends, so often we ourselves are encouraged. Together, we grow in the Lord.
Proverbs 11:25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. (ESV)
Let’s get wet! Jump out of the comfort of your everyday life and find new ways to love your friends with disabilities.
