Leah Rade

Call Me Pushy, But...

Had a great blessing today that came from holding someone accountable.  Sunday, immediately following the second service I began calling several people who had not brought their Angel gifts.  Many answered the phone, thanked me for reminding them, and made arrangements to bring their gifts as soon as possible.

This afternoon, the last presents arrived.  The person delivering the gifts thanked me for calling on Sunday and then admitted that they probably would not have fulfilled their commitment had I not called.  The person went on to explain that money was tight, but after my call, they looked at a purchase they had made for themselves and decided to return that purchase in order to buy the gifts for their Angel recipient.

After sharing the story, the person told me how much joy they felt after making that decision, then following through with the commitment.  I shared what a blessing this interaction was for me. Thinking the blessing couldn't get better, this person, who hasn't quite been able to commit to joining a small group, asked me to help find the perfect group!  Call me pushy, but...

Rosie - Update

I am touched by so many inquires about Rosie.  If you're unsure what or who I'm talking about, check out my post from yesterday.  I heard from Sherri and Jay today and was delighted to hear that Jay was able to talk to Rosie about God while driving him to the Raleigh bus station.  While I don't know the details, I do know Jay and I'm sure that he shared the awesome Jesus whom he trusts.  Upon arriving in Raleigh Jay bought Rosie dinner before watching him board his bus to Rocky Mount.  After a quick wave, Rosie disappeared into the crowded bus.

While we all believe that we were placed in Rosie's life to help him with the basic necessities of life...I believe that Rosie was placed in our lives in order for us to grow and be blessed by serving him.  Several of our group members shared feelings of being part of something profound.  Want to get closer to God?  Want to be part of something bigger than yourself?  Serve someone.  We serve a monthly meal to 100 men residing at the Main Durham Rescue Mission on the first Sunday of every month and we'd love to have you join us.  Are you ready?  Email me at leah@newhorizonchurch.tv.

Rosie

There's been lots of life-stuff going on in the past couple of months and I have to confess that the blog has taken a backseat to other priorities.  However, I absolutely have to share this amazing story!

Last night our small group met and we used Rob Bell's "Rich" as a great one-time follow up study to pastor Dave's awesome message.  We had just worked through some provocative questions, including: "Do you consider yourself to be a follower of Jesus?" "Do you live the kind of life that Jesus described his followers would live?" "Do you believe everything you own is in some way a gift from God?" "Everything?" "Are you generous? With your money? Your time? Your stuff?" "What can you give? Who are you going to bless?"

As if on cue, the doorbell rang and we discovered Rosie, a homeless man who had traveled all the way from Florida on his way to Roanoke Rapids where he had a brother.  Needless to say, he was wet, cold and hungry.  Our group was now stunned at the timing of the appearance of Rosie.  It was amazing to watch everyone scramble to get him some chili, cornbread, cake slices, water, as well as pack up the leftover carbohydrates for his journey.  The group also pooled together money for a hotel room with the questions, " What can you give? How are you going to bless?" still fresh on our hearts.

Below is an email follow up from a couple in our group and the ongoing story of Rosie.

"Jay and I left Rosie (the homeless man) at the Scotsman hotel tonight after he ate the bowl of Chili and cornbread.  We may never see Rosie again but as Jay said, God may have sent him as an angel to us to see how we would respond.  How appropriate Rosie's timing after just hearing about how fortunate/blessed we are and how God wants us to give to others. It is with Gods love that we were able to pay it forward to one of his people.  Contentment.... I felt very content and at peace by helping Rosie tonight and being a part of Gods ministry. It makes me proud to be with people like each of you to serve God by giving to his people.  We will may never know what an impact we just had on Rosie  but the situation tonight has had a profound impact on me.  We may not be able to save the world but if we can help just one person.... 

 

I thank everyone tonight for another wonderful community group time together and experience!!! 

 

Have a great week and GOD continue to BLESS US...so we can be a blessing to others."

The following email just arrived from the same couple sharing the ongoing story:

"Jay just called me and on his way home from school, guess who he saw walking on the road.... yep Rosie.  He pulled over, called me and we decided to see what was up with Rosie.  Jay is currently on his way to Raleigh bus station with Rosie!!! Rosie is trying to get to family up in Roanoke Rapids area.  I called the Gray Hound in Durham to learn that they leave from Raleigh at 6:30 tonight to Rocky Mount which is the closest place to Roanoke Rapids.  Jay said Rosie smells much better and he is going to make sure he has dinner before he gets on the bus.  Please pray for Jay right now as he is going to share God with Rosie and I ask that you pray for Rosie that if he hasn't accepted Jesus that he will during this ride with Jay.  I told Jay that this is not by coincidence and that God put this man in our path again so that he will know Him.  Wow... I said last night that Rosie has made an impact on me and he continues to do so.  I will keep you all updated about Rosie!"

Wow, is right, Sherri...To be continued.

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'Matthew 25:37-40

Another Win!

We received a written prayer request from a second-time guest and the request was serious enough to cause me to pray, then act.  It was serious enough that I had to call the person and offer help.  When I didn't get an answer, I left a voice-mail, as well as sent an email offering help.

The second-time guest returned my call this morning.  While the conversation was filled with pain, it also was filled with joy and hope.  The caller was new to the area and had been invited to New Horizon Church by a friend (the first win of the conversation).  The caller then shared that Karen, at Next Step(s) had been so helpful during her first visit (win #2). On Sunday, upon her second visit, she shared her delight when Karen remembered her from the first visit and walked out from behind Next Step(s) and greeted her (wind #3).  The caller continued to tell me that she had never experienced this kind of friendliness from a church...win, win, win!!!

The biggest win, though, is that we are equipped with care ministry leaders who can offer help and hope with the pain in her life.  We can connect her this weekend to a small group where she will find care and acceptance from people just as broken as she is, who are relying on God and experiencing restoration.  Did I say, "Win"!  Did I say, "New Horizon Church!"  BTW - Karen Fulford - You're the best!!

Guest Blogger - Beth Bivins

On Saturday we held Activate, our 2nd annual small groups conference, where we equip our small group leaders with the resources to successfully lead their groups.  Since groups are all about relationships, our best resources are our people.

Beth Bivins is a small group member who started attending Celebrate Recovery in the Spring.  Beth shared her life-change testimony with our small group leaders, bringing many to tears, including me.  I was so impacted by Beth's story that I asked her to share it with you.  Here is her testimony of recovery and support found in Celebrate Recovery and through her small group. 

     "I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ and I suffer from self esteem, food addiction, confidence, rejection, fear, guilt and shame and for many years I thought no one cared..  For years I have felt broken, unwanted, unloved and hopeless.  These feelings have festered like wounds.    I tell myself that these things are the reason that I have had risky and harmful behaviors, the reason that I have had many sexual encounters, the reason that I overeat, the reason that my self esteem has been nonexistent.   I was an unwed mother at 17 years old in high school,   I endured and survived abuse in my first marriage,     I have raised 3 children alone, I have so many stories I could tell you of hurts. I have dealt with  shame and guilt that I felt from my family after having my son and which sent me into years of depression with  low self esteem.            

            All these hangups, habits and hurts made me retreat from God and the world.  I hid behind a mask that made me feel empty and alone. When I attended my first Celebrate Recovery group I was very skeptical and the next day told my colleagues at work  and my small group leader that I would not return to another meeting. My small group leader sent me a long email encouraging me to try again and broke down the obstacles that I put in front of myself and the excuses I made.  But the next week, I was back.  As I sat and listened to the lives of the women that I was among I felt accepted.  I felt a sense of relief coming over me each week as I walked into that room….knowing that I could remove the mask I had long hidden behind.  I didn’t have to try to prove anything to anyone.  I didn’t have to pretend that everything was ok and that I was fine.  I didn’t have to do anything but be myself and for that I was accepted and welcomed with open arms and loving hugs.   I have been in therapy for years trying to break down the walls and barriers that I put up for myself.  I found myself responding to these hangups, habits and hurts and accepting myself for who I am in CR ….. something I couldn’t do in therapy.  Being able to share my thoughts no matter what they are without fear was comforting.  Each week I feel blessed with my fellow CR friends as they reach out to me with a hug, or to just listen, or to check on how I am doing.  I will forever be grateful for finding this group and know that I will continue to grow in the presence of my friends, confidants and sisters that sincerely care about me.  If I am down they are a phone call away and I am so grateful to them and NHC for offering this wonderful program.  It has changed my life and I know it will continue to impact me and my hangups, habits and hurts.  I don’t worry as much as I use to.  I feel comfortable speaking and sharing my life’s experiences, yes, even the bad ones in open share.  Everyone has a story and it is amazing that each week I listen and can relate to something that someone else says.  One time or another, we all suffer from various things that disrupt or interfere with our daily lives.  One week it may be jealousy and the next it may be anger.  I may have problems trying to relate those exact feelings and someone else just nails it on the head and you agree and admit that is what is wrong. It is a judgment free zone. Each week a new revelation about myself emerges.  When I see others in pain it makes me realize how much I have to be grateful for.   We work on ourselves from the inside out.   It is a growing experience and changes, which means that we change…..but as the creed goes “to accept the things I can not change and the wisdom to know the difference.”   CR works, the people make it work and make you better.  Give it a try."

Beth Bivins

 

Make A Difference

This is the 6th year that NHC'ers have impacted an entire school by supplies every child with a backpack filled with all of the school supplies necessary to succeed in school.  On Friday, August 21st, 300 filled backpacks will be delivered to C. C. Spaulding School, located in the heart of downtown Durham.
But before we can can pack the bags for delivery, we need a lot more supplies.  How can you make a difference in several lives at once, including your own?  Print out list list and share it with your neighbors, friends, co-workers and family members.  Ask them to purchase items and bring the items to you or directly to New Horizon Church by Sunday, August 16th or no later than Wednesday, August 19.  We'll be packing the bags at 6pm on August 20, so plan to join us then too.

Make a difference.  You'll be glad you did.

1" 3 Ring Binders - 145

Filler Paper - 0 (we have all we need)

Spiral Subject Notebooks - 220

Hard Shell Pencil Boxes - 200

Packs of Pencils - 185

Pocket Folders - 1077

Pack of Ink Pens - 65

Colored Pencils - 200

Packs of Markers - 208

24 count Crayons - 213

Rulers - 214

Small Group At Durham Rescue Mission

This afternoon our small group served lunch to 75 me at the Durham Rescue Mission.  New Horizon Church provides two meals/month for residents of both men's and women's missions.  Serving at the Durham Rescue Mission is just one of several ways that small groups can serve together beyond the walls of New Horizon Church.  Kids can serve along side their parents too.  Today Grayson served alongside her daddy, Eddie Daniel.  She was so amazing, almost taking charge from the minute we arrived.  We were looking for serving utensil without success and Grayson exclaimed with great enthusiasm, "I'll use my hands or whatever it takes!"  That's the right serving attitude!

Several members of our group who had not served at the Mission before inquired enthusiastically, "When do we get to do this again?  We should do this every month!"  Way to go group!  If your group has never served together outside the walls of NHC, I encourage you to sign up with our DRM Meals Director, Julie Fuller.  Our next meal is scheduled at the women's mission on Saturday, Aug. 22nd.  That's right, when you're getting all that great grub ready for the final Block Party of the season, prepare a little extra and bring it to NHC at noon.  Then, spend an hour serving 80+ women and children living at the Samaritan Inn Mission.  You'll be more than glad you did!  We serve a regularly scheduled meal at the men's mission on the first Sunday of every month.  Contact Julie at julie.fuller@newhorizonchurch.tv. 

Lesson on Prayer From a 6 Year-Old

Our small group met last night and we have a wonderfully sweet 6 year-old girl named Kaydan who attends with her mom.  Last night after we prayed, Kaydan's mom asked Kaydan to tell me about how she had been praying with her mom each morning.  Her mom shared that she and Kaydan were not happy with Kaydan's first report card and started praying each morning for God to help Kaydan do do her best and behave her best.  Kaydan got the biggest grin when I asked her about her recent report card indicating big improvements.  She happily exclaimed, "See what happens when you pray!"

What are you praying for?  Want to exclaim as exuberantly as Kaydan, "See what happens when you pray!"

Encouragement From A New Group Leader

I just finished meeting with a new Family Group Leader, who reminded me during our conversation that she and her husband attended NHC three years before getting in a group.  She then promptly added, "It should have been the FIRST thing that we did." 

Their group experience has been so valuable that they are now launching a new group.  Heed her wise words...Get in a group!  Stop by Next Step(s) and find out about our upcoming opportunities to meet group leaders and members and get connected.

Another One of Those "I Couldn't Say It Better"

Lyn Mattioli is a gem, a true bright spot to anyone she encounters.  She's passionate about people and about people connecting with one another.  Lyn is one of our Community Group Coach Coordinators.  She also coaches several groups, so you won't be surprised about her passion for not only groups but for personal growth, which exudes from this comment to my post, We Not Me.

"There are several moments from my time at NHC that will stay with me forever.  One of those moments happened the 1st "Oscar Night Awards Ceremony"  I attended (I think it was 3 years ago).  A lady named Janet was presenting the award for community group service to Sandra Peters.  During her speech she had tears in her eyes and a tangible passion and sense of urgency in her voice.  She briefly told her story.  She had drifted from God while going through a divorce.  Being involved in Sandra's group helped her get back her relationship with God and get her back into God's Word.  I don't remember Janet saying to "get in a group".  Maybe she did say that or maybe she assumed that was a "no brainer".  What I do remember is her passion and pleading to do your homework for the study your group is working through.  If I was stripping it down to the basics of community groups,  I would say that you shouldn't just attend a group.  You'll grow the most if you PARTICIPATE in the group.  Do the homework & application activities because selfishly you and your relationship with God will benefit much more, but also because you're ability to better participate in discussions will help the whole group.  Serve in the group by taking on responsibilities for the group and working to develop relationships with other group members outside of your weekly meeting night.  This service will selfishly help you and your relationship with God grow, but also because the entire group benefits when it's members are serving each and growing their relationship with each other."

Last month I shared my burden for the need for marriage enrichment groups at NHC and asked Lyn and Jeff to consider leading this ministry.  They said "yes", which is great because I really, really prayed about who God was preparing for this ministry.  To say I'm excited about how God is going to strengthen and even heal marriages through this ministry is...an understatement.  Please let me know if you're interested in participating in this new group.  You can email me for more information at leah@newhorizonchurch.tv.