love letters
by June D'Amour
June leads small groups of women who are new in the Lord, or asking "tell me more about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ" or who have an emptiness only a love letter from God can fill. |
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"Lord, bring a woman into my life who wants to know You."
Kim McManus asked us to write down how God was calling us. Without regard to our own restrictions of time, money, capability, we were to write down what He placed on our hearts.
Women wrote:
"Start an orphanage in Zambia."
"Break ground for a therapy clinic."
"Go on mission to China."
I wrote, "Lord, bring a woman into my life who wants to know You," and drew a box around it.
I was a little disappointed it wasn’t BIG. And ROMANTIC. And ADVENTUROUS. But, it was undeniably the depths of the mission God has placed deep within my heart.
God is Faithful.
He Provides.
Immediately I started getting the connection cards women put in the bucket sent around after the Mosaic gatherings for offerings and for first time guest information. "Tell me more about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ" was a box people could check on the card. Seven years ago I would have NEVER checked that box. I was secretive and scared and too proud to admit God was calling me and I was tip-toeing after Him. I thought it so bold there were people with the courage to check that box and be that vulnerable.
Love letters.
Jesus’ friends and disciples and followers wrote love letters. About who He is. About what He means to the human heart. About new life.
What if ... I could match the boldness of the women who checked that box and offer a time to talk — before the gathering, after the gathering, a night in my home — so girls could choose a place and time to meet in their week to pursue a relationship with the God who was calling them to read and learn and understand?
His love letters to them.
I invited Ashley.
"We have a salad or light lunch and read/study/talk about/try to understand/accept God’s love for us." "We just started last week if you want to come."
"I really care and hope to be a part of your journey." Love, June
"Lord, bring a woman into my life who wants to know You."
1/29/2008 — Ashley responded:
"Thanks again for your welcome to Mosaic. I was feeling nervous about filling in a guest card because I didn’t know what it would entail, but I’m very happy I did. Erwin’s talk on Sunday brought me to tears (although that is not the first time) and I decided that it was time that I take my first step in this direction. Sincerely, Ashley"
Ashley came. And Carlin and Jaclyn and Jessica and Marian and Laura and Cathy and Monica and Vicki and Allison and Leah and Jaime and Shelley and Janet — to read the love letter written by John in the Bible — that it wouldn’t be a mysterious code any more. But week by week God would unlock their hearts and His love letter would be written there.
3/9/2008 — Ashley gave her shoes. (Erwin’s altar call to give our shoes for the homeless that week) And her heart. She wrote:
"You may have been able to tell, but I finally gave my heart to Jesus on Sunday. It all just feels so right — more than I ever could have imagined. Love, Ashley"
Ashley heard God call her heart. He told her His name is Jesus. Over and over He calls us to draw near to Him and that first "yes" becomes a relationship.
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