The Four Sisters
When I was a kid, my grandmother, being the social butterfly she was (hitchhiking with strangers to share the Gospel) met four sisters who held church in their home. What was intriguing about the four is that none of them had ever married. They actually had a baby sister who had married and divorced and a brother who had also married.
They all played a role in their "house church". One of them played the drums. (Imagine a lady in her 50's behind a set of drums). Another played a keyboard while another sang. One of them was the "pastor". Their church was open to anyone in the neighborhood that wanted to worship. There was a couch and folding chairs (if there were more than 5 people there.) My grandmother was faithful to attend and when one of us was too sick to go to church with my parents or we just didn't get up in time, that's where we were....at the church of the four sisters.
They also had vacation Bible school at their house. The ladies weren't wealthy but reached out to the neighborhood kids with lessons and crafts and a snack of usually graham crackers and punch.
There was no such thing as being embarrassed while attending their church. They gushed over us like we were the greatest things, like we were celebrities. In fact, I remember feeling like none of them had ever raised their voices in their lives. Even some of the most unruly kids were respectful and well behaved.
Sadly, one by one, the sisters passed away. Two ended up in the same nursing home. One was stricken with Alzheimer's and didn't recognize her sister when she visited her room.
I think back to how their small ministry reached out to kids who may never have heard about God. They reached out in love and patience and kindness. I know for a fact that one of those that were a part of their VBS is now an NBA star. I wonder if he remembers them or thinks about them?
They all played a role in their "house church". One of them played the drums. (Imagine a lady in her 50's behind a set of drums). Another played a keyboard while another sang. One of them was the "pastor". Their church was open to anyone in the neighborhood that wanted to worship. There was a couch and folding chairs (if there were more than 5 people there.) My grandmother was faithful to attend and when one of us was too sick to go to church with my parents or we just didn't get up in time, that's where we were....at the church of the four sisters.
They also had vacation Bible school at their house. The ladies weren't wealthy but reached out to the neighborhood kids with lessons and crafts and a snack of usually graham crackers and punch.
There was no such thing as being embarrassed while attending their church. They gushed over us like we were the greatest things, like we were celebrities. In fact, I remember feeling like none of them had ever raised their voices in their lives. Even some of the most unruly kids were respectful and well behaved.
Sadly, one by one, the sisters passed away. Two ended up in the same nursing home. One was stricken with Alzheimer's and didn't recognize her sister when she visited her room.
I think back to how their small ministry reached out to kids who may never have heard about God. They reached out in love and patience and kindness. I know for a fact that one of those that were a part of their VBS is now an NBA star. I wonder if he remembers them or thinks about them?
Comments
I struggle so much with my beliefs or lack-there-of. I have got to do something about that! I've been wondering lately if I should look into something like that - a "house church". I get so overwhelmed with those huge congregations and churches that look more like a college campus than a place of worship. Perhaps this should be a challenge of mine, even if it's a private one that lasts the rest of my life? Hmmm.....
I'm sure the player remembers how she touched his life. I get young adults all the time stop me on the street and tell me what a difference I'm made in their lives. I also get calls of former students who may want advice in their marriage or on raisin' children who never forgot how much this crazy woman cared about them.
God bless ya and you have a terrific week sweetie!!!
The ladies in the book are different from yours, but the bonds of sisterhood are the same.
I'd like to think he does.
Have a nice day, Simone!