Learning

A lot of people are probably wondering why we went to churches for help when our van broke down in Tennessee.

We say that churches are full of things that don’t make sense and that we can worship Jesus in more truthful ways.

But then we knocked on the doors of two churches looking for help when we were down and out.

One, we were scared.  The repair was going to take 2 days, it was cold, and we had nowhere to sleep.

Two, were trying to rely on the goodness of God’s people.  Those who believe in Jesus are supposed to be a community that helps each other.  We hoped that someone would open up their home to us. 

There are so many passages in the Bible about opening up homes to strangers in need and generally helping people when they are in need (Matthew 25: 31-46). 

So we went to the first church and tried to get into the Salvation Army.  No dogs allowed and we were out of luck again.

Thinking back on it I realized we would have been taking a spot in the homeless shelter from someone that really needed it.  We had the money to buy a hotel, we just didn’t want to spend the money.

I’m sorry.

So we went to the second church.  He said he could put us up into a hotel which sounded great over the roar of the wind blowing outside.

We shouldn’t have taken it. 

I’m sorry.

We have a lot to learn.  This is why we are doing this, because we need to learn how to best walk like Jesus and love his people.

Comments

Even Jesus, who could have easily paid for a hotel or found accommodations on his own, accepted the help from others - he accepted some home-cooked meals and even a night’s stay from various people while on his teaching journey.  Maybe part of this learning experience for you guys is learning to accept help - receiving can be humbling.  Maybe Jesus led that pastor to offer you a comfortable night’s stay when you were tired, scared and I’m guessing kinda dirty.  Maybe you blessed that pastor or even challenged him in your adventure and desire to be more like Jesus.  Looks to me (and I’m no expert I realize) that you were still following in the footsteps of Jesus. 

Enough with the guilt - it’s a burden you don’t need to hold on to ... besides are you called to be miserable while doing this?

We love you both!
Carrie

I can totally understand why you went to the church, and I think it is really cool that you decided to give the money back. I thought the orgininal rules were cool, and made for an interesting trip. I also think that you decided to go a different route is very interesting and I applaud what you have done.

I’m with Carrie on this, help is intended for everyone . . . even if it wasn’t an open door into someone’s home, you were provided for, and it is good to know that people still care enough to help . . .

*Keep Truckin’*

Thanks guys. 

It is so good to know that people were there to help us.  We learned a lot from the experience.