We Can Do This By Carl McMurray

This week will begin the first of two outreach efforts into Anderson that have long been discussed and planned. Both are low key efforts but both have the potential to put us touch with honest seekers of truth.

Number one is a mail-out of our intro DVDs. These will go to every address on the same carrier route as our new building. The intent is to contact people in the immediate area of our new meeting house who might have noticed the new construction. People DO watch and read signs when a new building is going up. This should help acquaint them with who is moving into their neighborhood, tell them where we are now, and invite them to come and visit. Approximately 460 addresses will receive a DVD.

The second is a new-move-in program that begins in February. New-move-ins to the area will receive an oversized welcome card with a map to Bickel’s and an invitation to come and visit. Each month, we will use that same name and address list so that we can go call on these folks, leave some materials (a DVD?), and personally invite them to come check us out. Now, how can you help? Three ways seem obvious.

1. You can pray... for open doors, open hearts, good spirits, great courage, and opportunities to glorify our Savior in this town.

2. You can visit. Well be meeting once or twice a month at first, to share the names of these new-move-ins as well as the experiences that we’re having when calling on them. Want to learn a new talent or exercise an old one? Plan on setting aside a few hours each month for these meetings and to make some quick “welcome” visits.

3. You can be alert. It doesn’t seem reasonable that folks will rush out to visit with us as soon as they receive a DVD or a card or even a visit. Most people have to think about things for awhile. Many have to work up their courage to walk into a house full of strangers. Only a very few will be looking for a church family THIS WEEK and immediately decide to give these new guys a try. What does this mean? It means that new faces are likely to show up for worship at any service in the coming months, at any time. Watch for them. Get up and go welcome them. Help their children find the right classroom. Help them get a bulletin and/or songbook. Point out the free materials on the table. Invite them to sit with you or warmly give them your seat if it’s crowded. And here’s the toughie... find a seat closer to the front in order to leave the back row open. Pray, visit, and be alert to the feelings of visitors. We can do this.