Calvary Life | Page 9

I won ’ t lie , I was so relieved to have that part done . I have no idea why I was so nervous and scared . I guess I just didn ’ t know what their responses would be . And I think part of the relief I felt was having done what I ’ d promised the Lord I would do . Now I had to just wait and see who He would bring .

I heard from a few women who were unable to come due to prior commitments but thought it was a great idea . I had one “ yes ” response right away from a new neighbor . Up until a couple of days before the meeting she was the only one I knew was coming . I had three others decide to come at the last minute .

The day arrived . Although I was nervous , the Lord gave me a tremendous peace as the women started arriving . We had a great time getting to know each other and they were enthused about the materials . They all went to different churches and most of them had been in Bible Studies before but had never done one like this .

It was very humbling when Delores introduced herself and said she was so glad I had done this as she had wanted to do it for several years but had been too afraid . I had to confess that I had been afraid too .

We had a great year together and are now in our second year . They love the materials and the new way of studying . I feel so blessed by these ladies as they continue to be so encouraging and grateful . They love being together and rarely miss . I won ’ t tell you there hasn ’ t been challenges but the Lord has been faithful and given me patience and wisdom when needed .

If you were at Calvin for the last Sunday there , you will remember Pastor Jim beginning his sermon talking about the first Sunday at Calvin and how scared he was . As he shared how all these irrational fears washed over him and how he just wanted to run , it made me smile because that was exactly how I felt . He reminded us that if you just obey , God will take care of the rest . I can certainly testify to that also . I am so grateful He is a patient God- but I still had to do my part by obeying . I am grateful also that he forgives my procrastination and remains faithful when I am so unworthy .

Two scripture passages were a great encouragement to me .

Psalms 56:3-4 , When I am afraid I will trust in you . In God , whose word I praise . In God I trust , I will not be afraid . What can mortal man do to me ?

Isaiah 41 : 9b , 10 and 13 , I have chosen you and have not rejected you . So do not fear , for I am with you , do not be dismayed , for I am your God . I will strengthen you and help you . I will uphold you with my righteous right hand . For I am the Lord , your God , who takes hold of your right hand and says to you do not fear ; I will help you .

I hope my story will encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer , step out in faith and start a study in your neighborhood . I know you will experience God ’ s pleasure as you obey Him .

By Nancy Swanton

Nancy Swanton has been married to Brian for almost 40 years . They love the Family Tree class and Nancy has especially enjoyed meeting other women through serving in women ’ s Bible studies . They have two children and two grandchildren . blessed2Bless prayer gatherings

Come connect with other women and support the work that God is doing as people throughout the church are reaching out to their families , neighbors , friends and coworkers . Join us , even if you aren ’ t leading a neighborhood study yet !

Monday , March 13

10:00-11:30am | Room 152 Tom Olsson will share how God showed up in and through his neighborhood study .

Monday , March 27

10:00-11:30am | Room 152 Kathy Zimmerman will share from her neighborhood Bible study experience about the opportunity to reach out to the nations .

Thursday , April 27

7:00-8:30pm | Room 152 Susan Sorensen will give tools for writing one ’ s story of salvation so that it can be easily shared with those God puts in our lives .

Monday , May 8

10:00-11:30am | Room 152 Blessed2Bless Celebration of God ’ s faithfulness ! Pastries will be added to our traditional coffee as we share praises for all God has done !

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