I love what I get to do for God!
This week, I had two interesting conversations.
The first began with an email alerting me that someone wanted to visit Wesley Center on June
4. The email included the person’s name, phone number, email address, and a few other
tidbits. That seemed almost too easy!
I responded to let them know that I had received their message and was excited to meet them
in person. However, the email did not specify a time or even a time range for their visit.
Suddenly, it felt a little like waiting for a cable guy appointment with a 12-hour window! So, I
politely asked for more details.
Now, I have the afternoon blocked out for our visitor. Correction — visitors! This individual
responded not only to narrow down the time, but also to let me know they are bringing a friend
and their dad. How exciting!
The second conversation was with a young woman who was looking for a new church and
campus ministry to become involved with. She asked lots of questions about our beliefs and
activities. During the conversation, she shared that she had recently been asked to leave a
church. Recently. In Ames. Oh, I wanted to know more! Patience, Jena!
She explained that she had been told her beliefs were “too threatening” for that congregation
and that she should not return. She asked for an explanation and the person walked away. They
will not even return her phone calls to explain.
That felt both interesting and bold to me. I absolutely encourage people to find a church
community whose theology and values align with their own, but I have never told someone
they could not participate with us.
She also shared that one church would not share their beliefs over the phone, but they would if
she visited in person. She felt that was odd. After already experiencing the hurt of being asked
not to return somewhere, she was simply trying to research churches ahead of time and avoid
more painful encounters. Being denied even five minutes of conversation felt hurtful, too.
I gave her at least 15 minutes and pray that she shows up one day because I know this
congregation will embrace her love. We are good at welcoming new people and inviting them
to coffee, where introductions and conversations happen.
So, when you ask how things are going, it can be difficult to contain the joy. I truly love what I
get to do here at Collegiate Wesley. Thank you for being part of it!
Blessings,
Jena
P.S. I have an update on a previous article I wrote about receiving a huge box of food for the
Little Food Pantry! The week after that article was published, I was at Suntan City and CeeCee,
the young lady I wrote about, had two more boxes of food! What a blessing!
